Media Contact: Paloma Perez Paloma.Perez@fcc.gov FCC CHAIRWOMAN ROSENWORCEL AND BOSTON MAYOR WU PARTNER TO PROMOTE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM & BOOST ENROLLMENT In Collaboration with the City of Boston, the FCC Ramps Up Efforts to Promote the Nation’s Largest Broadband Affordability Program -- BOSTON, April 14, 2023—On Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel visited the Back of the Hill Apartments in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in collaboration with Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston’s Office of Innovation and Technology, and the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission. The Age Strong Commission is focused on enhancing the life of older residents with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so they can live and age strong in Boston together, with internet access playing a key role in meeting this goal. Created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides monthly discounts to eligible low-income households who struggle to pay for internet services. Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Mayor Wu, Mr. Santiago Garces, Chief Information Officer of Boston’s Department of Innovation and Technology, alongside Mr. James Borders, an ACP recipient, resident, and board member with Back of the Hill Apartments, led a press conference to promote the program’s benefits. The ACP provides a discount up to $30/month to offset the cost of internet service for qualifying households. These households can also receive a one-time discount up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from qualifying providers. “Since the launch of the Affordable Connectivity Program, over 17 million households have enrolled and are receiving monthly discounts on their internet bills. The response to this program demonstrates that an internet connection is vital for success in today’s world, but there are still more families we can reach,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “I’m grateful to Mayor Wu, the City of Boston, and local community partners for collaborating with us to ensure families can get online and stay online, no matter who they are or where they live.” “Digital access to education, opportunity, healthcare, and government services enables all of our residents and families to thrive,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program has helped more than 34,000 households in Boston receive more affordable internet access, helping residents across our city access school, work, and stay connected with loved ones. I’m grateful to FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel for her leadership and critical support in addressing digital connectivity needs in Boston across our neighborhoods.” “Affordable connectivity is key for workers who want to access remote opportunities, which is a pathway for people with disabilities who have challenges commuting. IT enables grandparents to share with their grandkids and family members that might live far away,” said Santiago Garces, Chief Information Officer for the City of Boston. “We are grateful for the FCC supporting our work with community partners to reach people who could access affordable connectivity through the ACP.” “Our older adults often struggle to make ends meet,” said Emily K. Shea, Age Strong Commissioner, “so helping them access benefits like the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program is important work that affects the everyday lives of Boston's older residents.” Massachusetts residents with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines ($60,000 for a family of four) are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Households can also be eligible if one or more members participates in SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits, free or reduced-price school lunch, Federal Pell Grant, or Lifeline. As of the week of April 10, 2023, current ACP enrollment in Massachusetts totaled 274,070, with 41,398 in Boston alone. The City of Boston is targeted to receive a total of $250,000, which is the full allocation amount requested, to fund the B-Online Initiative which will consist of both outreach and in-person activities to boost awareness and enrollments into the ACP. The Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts received $300,000 in ACP grant funding for a program to raise awareness and significantly increase enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts. Massachusetts is targeted to receive a total of $550,000 in funding for grants to promote the ACP program through the FCC’s National Competitive Outreach Program (NCOP). This total amount of target funding awarded in Massachusetts aligns with the Commission’s commitment that each state receives a target minimum allocation of $500,000. Background on Boston’s Digital Equity Commitments: · In October 2022, Mayor Wu shared the City’s comprehensive digital equity assessment. · In February 2022, Mayor Wu and Senator Ed Markey announced an investment of over $12 million to bring digital equity and inclusion to nearly 23,000 Boston public housing residents, library users, and school-age families https://www.boston.gov/news/over-12-million-invested-digital-equity-and-inclusion. · In 2021, Boston’s “Digital Equity Fund” awarded 19 local organizations $478,900 in grants to provide equipment, service, and digital skills training to residents. https://www.boston.gov/innovation-and-technology/digital-equity-fund. ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).