About the program
According to a news release Oct. 3, Link Health is partnering with several large health systems in the Houston metro to help bring advanced connectivity to the health sector, including federally qualified health centers such as Lone Star Family Health Center.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school and health care.
- The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.
- Up to $75 per month is available for households on qualifying tribal lands.
- Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
- Received a federal Pell Grant during the award year
- Participates in the free and reduced-price school lunch program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and/or Medicaid
- Residents are also eligible if they receive federal housing assistance, WIC or Supplemental Security Income
During the 2023 Texas legislative session, six broadband bills were signed into law prioritizing access to the internet as a statewide initiative.
However, in Houston:
- More than 170,000 households lack access to the internet, according to Education Superhighway, a nonprofit agency.
- Statewide, over 4 million people have limited access to digital technology.
- Of the 4 million Texans eligible for the ACP benefit, 2.7 million remain unenrolled.
