Volusia County Public Libraries to host presentations on the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News 

The Volusia County Public Library system wants to build the public’s awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit that will help lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service.

According to a release, the $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying tribal lands. It 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.

The following library branches will host presentations by FCC consumer experts who will share information about the program:

- 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Hope Place Public Library, 1310 Wright St., Daytona Beach

- 2 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Port Orange Regional Library, 1005 City Center Circle

- 2 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St.

- 2 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry Ave.

- 10 a.m. Friday, April 29, at the Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway

- 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, at the Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave.

- 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 5, at the John H. Dickerson Heritage Public Library, 411 S. Keech St., Daytona Beach

A household is eligible if one member meets at least one of these criteria:

- Has an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

- Participates in assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.

- Participates in one of several tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard) Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.

- Received a federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or

- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program.

For more information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit, visit www.fcc.gov/ACP.