Millions of Americans will now have access to high-speed internet for no cost, thanks to a partnership between the federal government and several internet providers.
The White House announced the partnership Monday, saying 20 internet providers will cut the cost of high-speed internet plans for low-income Americans.
"High-speed internet service is no longer a luxury -- it's a necessity. But too many families go without high-speed internet because of the cost or have to cut back on other essentials to make their monthly internet service payments. Lowering prices -- including the cost of high-speed internet service -- is President Biden's top priority," the White House said in a statement.
Under the Affordable Connectivity Program, internet providers will offer plans for no more than $30 a month. Plans will include download speeds of at least 100 Megabits per second, "fast enough for a typical family of four to work from home, do schoolwork, browse the web, and stream high-definition shows and movies."
The ACP already allows eligible households to receive a discount of up to $30 a month on any internet plan. That means millions of American families will now be able to access high-speed internet from their homes essentially for free.
"From large providers like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon serving dozens of states, to smaller providers serving rural areas like Jackson Energy Authority in Tennessee and Comporium in North Carolina, the commitments will allow tens of millions of ACP-eligible households to receive high-speed internet at no cost," the White House said.
An estimated 48 million Americans will qualify for the program -- or nearly 40% of households in the country, according to the government.
Households qualify for ACP based on their income or through their participation in one of several other federal programs, like Pell Grants, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income.
The government has launched a website, GetInternet.gov, with details on how Americans can sign up for ACP and find participating internet providers in their area. Agencies that manage federal programs will also be reaching out to help eligible households enroll in ACP.
Internet providers participating in the program cover roughly 80% of the U.S. population, according to the White House.
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