The long-term program will continue to connect eligible households to essential services
QUINCY, Mass., January 4, 2022 – Atlantic Broadband, the eighth-largest cable operator in the U.S., will provide broadband connectivity at discounted prices for financially struggling households through the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Under the program, Atlantic Broadband will provide a discount of up to $30 per month towards broadband service for eligible households (and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands) so that they can stay connected to daily essentials such as telehealth, distance learning, and work from home.
All customers that meet financial eligibility requirements may choose the Atlantic Broadband internet package that best fits their household needs. Atlantic Broadband will apply the Affordable Connectivity Program discount as a monthly credit against the cost of the broadband service.
“As coronavirus continues to surge, connectivity is more critical than ever,” said Heather McCallion, Vice President Products and Programming for Atlantic Broadband. “Our support of the Affordable Connectivity Program will ensure households facing financial hardships will have access to a reliable internet connection now and in the future.”
The Affordable Connectivity Program was created in November when Congress passed the Infrastructure Act, which provides $14 billion to modify and extend the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB). The Affordable Connectivity Program replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Households fully enrolled in EBB as of December 31, 2021 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. The Federal Communications Commission is currently discussing steps current EBB participants may need to take to stay enrolled after that date. Atlantic Broadband will update customers with the latest guidance as it becomes available.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is the third major initiative undertaken by the FCC in partnership with U.S. internet service providers to help households since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In spring 2020, Atlantic Broadband supported customers through the “Keep Americans Connected” program, launching an affordable “Internet Assist” internet package, temporarily suspending disconnects, waiving late fees, and making its WiFi hotspots available to the public. In May 2021, Atlantic Broadband provided discounted service to customers financially struggling during the pandemic through the Emergency Broadband Benefit. Atlantic Broadband continues to support connectivity initiatives through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Atlantic Broadband has also supported state and local broadband programs, including Connecticut’s “Everybody Learns” initiative, a partnership with the Connecticut Commission for Educational Technology, the Connecticut State Department of Education and local school districts.
Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment is now open. Households may apply and determine their eligibility for the program by visiting acpbenefit.org. Once household eligibility has been confirmed, households may enroll in the program at atlanticbb.com/acp.
ABOUT ATLANTIC BROADBAND
Atlantic Broadband, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), is the eighth- largest cable operator in the United States. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV and Phone services in 12 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. WiFi Your Way is a registered trademark of Atlantic Broadband.
ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one discount per serviceable household. Eligibility is determined through the National Lifeline Accountability Database, which can be accessed at acpbenefit.org. Other terms, conditions or restrictions may apply. For additional information, see https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program.
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