August 16th, 2022
As County continues to develop overarching plan to address the digital divide, immediate savings on internet service available through federal program
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Congressman Joe Morelle today reminded the community that federal financial assistance is available to low-income individuals and families to help offset the high cost of internet service. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides qualified households up to $30 a month off internet service bills and a discount of up to $100 for a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop or tablet through participating broadband provider.
“High speed internet is a necessity to everyday life and as essential as a road or utilities to our county’s infrastructure,” said County Executive Bello. “Thanks to Congressman Morelle’s advocacy, the Affordable Connectivity Program is helping bridge the digital divide here and across the country, letting more people work remotely, take online classes, access government services and telehealth services, and participate in more social activities. I encourage all qualified residents to sign up for this important program.”
The program is funded through the $65 billion Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act passed by Congress in November 2021. Check your eligibility by visiting getinternet.gov or calling (877) 384- 2575.
“From helping students do their homework to connecting workers with jobs, access to internet is critical to families in our community. That’s why it’s important we take action to make it affordable for everyone,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to have helped enact the federal Affordable Connectivity Program which is already saving 44,000 Monroe County residents $1.3 million on their internet bills — but we need more families to take advantage of this valuable program. I’m grateful for the partnership of County Executive Bello as we work to lower costs and ensure all households have accessible, affordable internet they can rely on.”
Additionally, County Executive Bello announced that consulting group Magellan Advisors will share preliminary results from a countywide broadband internet survey during a public input session from 5 to 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Rochester Public Library’s Kate Gleason Auditorium, 115 South Ave. The survey is part of ongoing efforts by the Monroe County Broadband Advisory Task Force to develop a plan to guide major infrastructure and program investments in the county, making high- speed Internet services widely available and more affordable.
