Millions of New Yorkers Eligible to Receive Discount on Their Internet Bills
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Brooklyn, NY— On Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel visited Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) to meet with library leadership and librarians to discuss the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and other initiatives designed to close the digital divide.
The ACP provides a $30 per month discount on internet to eligible households across the country. Earlier this year, the FCC provided $250K in critical grant funding for Brooklyn Public Library to raise awareness of the ACP. For assistance with enrollment, BPL welcomes patrons and the public to reach out to BPL’s digital navigators, a team of experts who guide New Yorkers through the application process, answer questions about internet providers in their neighborhoods, and explain how to use benefits to get free or low-cost internet services.
“Millions of families across the country have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program and are receiving a monthly discount on their internet bills, but there are still many more households we can help,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Our nation's libraries are trusted cornerstones of our communities and invaluable partners in our mission to bridge the digital divide. I am grateful to Brooklyn Public Library for their collaboration in getting more New Yorkers online."
“Expanding access to information and closing the digital divide are critical priorities for us at the Library,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chairwoman Rosenworcel to BPL and are grateful for her commitment to keeping households across the country online — ensuring access to schoolwork, job applications and essential services.”
Households eligible for the $30 discount to their home internet bill include:
Parents/Guardians of all NYC Public School and most Charter School students
Participants in various government assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, Veterans Pension, Federal Pell Grant, or Housing Assistance
Individuals with income at 200% or less than the federal poverty guideline (e.g.: $39,440 or less for a household of 2)
During the Chairwoman’s visit, library leaders also discussed wi-fi hotspot loaning, cybersecurity for libraries, and BPL’s Books Unbanned program, which provides a digital e-card to young people 13-21 anywhere in the country, granting them access to the library’s extensive digital collection.
A 2022 study revealed that 1.5 million New Yorkers lack access to high-speed broadband internet. Families seeking help with their ACP application are encouraged to attend a BPL workshop or receive one-on-one assistance from a digital navigator at participating libraries throughout Brooklyn. For further information, New Yorkers can reach out to the Digital Navigator Hotline at 718.230.2297 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-5pm, or send an email to digitalnavigator@bklynlibrary.org.
BPL's Home Internet Access Program is generously made possible with support from The New York Community Trust, The JPB Foundation, FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Altman Foundation and RWJF Special Contributions Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.