NC awarded $500,000 to help connect low-income households with high-speed internet

North Carolina is receiving a $500,000 federal grant to help people afford high-speed internet access. 

Governor Roy Cooper announced last week that the funding from the Federal Communications Commission will benefit the state’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). 

The program offers a $30 per month discount on high-speed internet service to eligible low-income households. Those residing on qualifying tribal lands are eligible for a $75 per month discount. One-time copays are also available for laptop, tablet, or desktop computers.

Households may be eligible if they earn at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, participate in federal assistance programs, or are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch and breakfast program.

State officials say the FCC grant will support government and community outreach and help to promote in-person enrollment events.

According to a news release, more than 690,000 low-income households are currently enrolled in the ACP program. The state has a goal of having one million households participating by the end of 2024.