Federal Communications Commission Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel met with library leadership and librarians at the Brooklyn Public Library on Wednesday to discuss the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program and initiatives designed to close the digital divide.
“Millions of families across the country have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program and are receiving a monthly discount on their internet bills, but there are still many more households we can help,” said Rosenworcel. “Our nation's libraries are trusted cornerstones of our communities and invaluable partners in our mission to bridge the digital divide. I am grateful to Brooklyn Public Library for their collaboration in getting more New Yorkers online."
The ACP provides a $30 per month discount on internet to eligible households across the country. For assistance with enrollment, BPL welcomes patrons and the public to reach out to BPL’s digital navigators, a team of experts who guide New Yorkers through the application process, answer questions about internet providers in their neighborhoods, and explain how to use benefits to get free or low-cost internet services.
“Expanding access to information and closing the digital divide are critical priorities for us at the Library,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chairwoman Rosenworcel to BPL and are grateful for her commitment to keeping households across the country online — ensuring access to schoolwork, job applications and essential services.”
Households eligible for the $30 discount to their home internet bill include: parents and guardians of all NYC Public School and most Charter School students; participants in various government assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, Veterans Pension, Federal Pell Grant, or Housing Assistance and individuals with income at 200% or less than the federal poverty guideline (e.g.: $39,440 or less for a household of 2).
For further information, New Yorkers can reach out to the Digital Navigator Hotline at 718-230-2297 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00am-5:00pm, or send an email to [email protected].
