North Carolina Awarded $500,000 to Help More People Afford High-Speed Internet — Neuse News

RALEIGH: North Carolina will get £500,000 to help more low-income households afford monthly high-speed internet service, Governor Roy Cooper announced. The Federal Communications Commission has awarded the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) Division of Broadband and Digital Equity an Affordable Connectivity Program Outreach Grant to help the state reach its goal of enrolling 1 million N.C. households in the Affordable Connectivity Program by the end of 2024.

More than 690,000 N.C. households are currently participating in the program.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible low-income households a £30 per month discount on high-speed internet service, with households on qualifying tribal lands eligible for up to a £75 per month. Participating families can also get a one-time discount of up to £100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer with a co-payment of more than £10 but less than £50.

“Cost can be a barrier that keeps families from taking advantage of all of the education, health and economic opportunities available thanks to high-speed internet,” Governor Cooper said. “All North Carolinians should have access to high-speed internet and I encourage anyone who may qualify to sign up for these discounts.”

“We’re working to make digital access more affordable, so North Carolinians don’t have to decide between paying for high-speed internet service or other necessities,” said NCDIT Office of Digital Equity and Literacy Director Annette Taylor. “This grant will boost our ACP enrollment efforts by supporting outreach through community partners and state government agencies and promoting in-person enrollment events.”

Households may qualify for the monthly internet discounts and device discounts if they:

  • Earn at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines;

  • Participate in certain assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline; or

  • Are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program

“High-speed internet connects rural North Carolinians to health care professionals for telemedicine visits, deaf and hard of hearing people to critical communications tools and services, and underserved communities to services,” said Debra Farrington, Chief Health Equity Officer for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. “We can promote access for all North Carolinians by helping people sign up for this important service.”

Many leading internet providers in North Carolina offer eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than £30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost.

Visit http://getinternet.gov for more details and to enroll.

Three other N.C. organizations also received ACP Outreach Grant awards:

  • Kramden Institute, Inc. (Durham): £200,000

  • Goler Depot Street Renaissance Corporation (Winston-Salem): £300,000

  • United Way of Forsyth County (Winston-Salem): £200,000

For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Equity, the Affordable Connectivity Program, or Governor Roy Cooper’s plan to close the digital divide in North Carolina, please visit https://www.ncbroadband.gov

california-shutters listed on couponmatrix.ukdrusillas-park listed on couponmatrix.ukfinery listed on couponmatrix.ukhotel-du-vin listed on couponmatrix.ukjessops listed on couponmatrix.ukklook listed on couponmatrix.uk
california-shutters listed on couponmatrix.ukStyle, simplicity and sunlight are at the heart of California Shutters, the UK-based plantation shutter manufacturer with an eco-friendly ethos. Whether you want privacy for your living space or versatility to combat those summer rays, a California Shutters discount code is all that’s needed to secure savings on your shutters of choice. Timeless, adaptable and a much better alternative than shutting light out entirely, you’ll quickly notice the difference a delicate pair of shutters makes to your interior lighting and atmosphere.
drusillas-park listed on couponmatrix.ukSwing by Drusillas zoo for an action-packed day filled with curious meerkats, lolling sloths and fearsome pythons. There’s plenty to explore for grownups and kids alike on this cheap family day out, including seasonal events, zoo keeper experiences and even spider phobia courses – if you’re feeling brave! It’s easy to keep costs down with a Druscillas promo code from Groupon, up to 20% off advance tickets and special offers for groups, so book online for cheap tickets and get ready for an adventure and a half.
finery listed on couponmatrix.ukLook a little different this season with something new from Finery, the clothing line with an edge that stays one step ahead in the world of fashion. With a Finery discount code, you could nab new shoes or an entire outfit for less - looking on trend needn’t cost you your savings when you let us help you out. Visit the website today to browse the different collections!
hotel-du-vin listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’ve always dreamed of a night in a fancy hotel, then it doesn't get more romantic or appealing than staying at a Hotel du Vin establishment. Scattered throughout the UK, Hotel du Vin offer a unique boutique hotel experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. And, with your Hotel du Vin discount code, you’ll be able to snap up a special night out of town or a weekend away for less than you might think.
jessops listed on couponmatrix.ukWith over 50 stores across the UK Jessops is the go to place for all photography equipment. Carrying a great range of cameras and accessories that is ideal for anyone from beginner to expert level and even professionals, Jessops are the leading UK photography store. With a Jessops discount code fro us, you can save on the best equipment in the business - happy snapping!
klook listed on couponmatrix.ukYou’ve booked the flights, confirmed the hotel, now what to do? Head over to Klook, the adventuring specialists who will take your empty holiday schedule and fill it with anything from sightseeing and fine dining, through to scuba dives, theme parks and night treks. Make the most a Klook promo code and spend less on plenty more activities guaranteed to make your time abroad into a journey fit for the memory banks.