Low-income Detroiters have until Wednesday to take advantage of the city’s digital equity tour providing discounts on high-speed internet and electronics.
The city is hosting its last round of in-person-only sign-up fairs for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a benefit of the Federal Communications Commission, that provides a discount of up to $30 a month for eligible households. Residents can also receive a $100 discount for a laptop, tablet or desktop from participating providers.
The city’s Digital Equity & Inclusion Office is providing residents assistance at the fairs to access high-speed internet, basic digital literacy resources, internet workforce development and training on how to access devices.
The city has partnered to bring in providers including Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and 123 Net to fairs at several recreation centers across the city for the next week. At the fair, residents can sign up for the ACP data plan if they don’t have it already and even use the $30 reimbursement toward their phone data plan.
ACP is eligible for low-income households who already qualify for the SNAP program or state services, however, low-cost internet service is available for anyone.
“If you already have a T-Mobile account, you can get the 5G modem at the event,” said Christine Burkette, the city’s digital equity director. “All the supplies will be there and the provider will look at your account and you can apply the ACP $30 discount and each provider has their own additional discount programs and giveaways to take advantage of.”
The city has identified 220,000 eligible low-income households and since last August, 90,000 have completed the process. Burkette says there are more than 20,000 residents in the city who don’t have internet.
“We need all residents to come to our rec centers, please sign up. The program is going to end but we know that the Senate is reviewing how they can extend the program,” Burkette said. “Right now, 20 million people are on ACP and if all those people lose the $30 on their internet those people will be disconnected. The phase two process may only go to those who sign up now.”
Last chances for ACP sign-up. All fairs are 1-4 p.m. & 5-7 p.m.
- Wednesday at A.B. Ford Recreation Center, Clemente Recreation Center and Northwest Activity Recreation Center
- Thursday at Patton Recreation Center, Lasky Recreation Center and Northwest Activity Recreation Center.
- Friday at A.B. Ford Recreation Center, Clemente Recreation Center and Northwest Activity Recreation Center.
- Saturday at Northwest Activity Recreation Center.
- Monday at A.B. Ford Recreation Center, Clemente Recreation Center and Northwest Activity Recreation Center.
- Tuesday at Patton Recreation Center, Lasky Recreation Center and Northwest Activity Recreation Center.
- The last opportunity to sign up is Wednesday at Northwest Activities Center.
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.
