Stephen Neilans, Jamestown communications coordinator, provided an update on local use of the Affordable Connectivity Program. About 6,600 households in the city are taking advantage of the program, which provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service.
P-J photo by Eric Tichy
More than 6,600 households in Jamestown are receiving discounts on internet access through a federally funded and locally run program.
And that number should be higher, Stephen Neilans, city communications coordinator, told the City Council during a work session this week.
Neilans gave an update on the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. The benefit also provides up to a $100-per-household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.
Neilans said a household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if total income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or is participating in select governmental assistance programs.
Locally, he said 65% of the city is eligible for the monthly discount.
“For something that’s for $30 in free funding a month, that really should be a little bit higher,” Neilans said. “We’re going everywhere that we can to really promote it – schools, senior living, Jamestown Housing Authority; going to various events just trying to get awareness and people signed up.”
It’s not clear how much longer the funding will be available. The benefit program is part of the Federal Communications Commission.
“As long as the program’s going, we’re going to keep promoting it and giving people the opportunity to save $30 off a month,” he continued.
In August, the Jamestown City Council approved a two-year contract with Neilans. Part of his responsibilities has been to expand broadband access across the city using the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Neilans said he previously met with Joe Gerace, executive director of the city Housing Authority, while lease agreements were being renewed by occupants of the Hotel Jamestown. He said he was able to sign “a lot of people up” while the residents were renewing their leases.
“Doing everything we can to get people signed up,” Neilans said.
The year began with 5,147 households signed up for the program. Through December, nearly 1,500 additional households have begun receiving monthly discounts on internet access.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
