A federal program providing discounts for household internet service could serve three times more Hawaii households than are currently enrolled.
The Affordable Connectivity Program began at the beginning of 2022, offering eligible low-income families $30 off of their monthly internet bills, or $75 off for households on Hawaiian Home Lands. Enrollees can also receive a one-time $100 credit toward the purchase of internet-capable devices.
Since then, 29,000 Hawaii households have enrolled in the program, with 5,264 of those on the Big Island as of June. However, more than 100,000 households are estimated to be eligible for the program.
Burt Lum, broadband strategy officer for the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, said the program, which is administered by the Federal Communications Commission, has about $14.2 billion to work with, which is estimated to last five years or more.
“It lasts as long as the money lasts,” Lum said. “But the FCC is already looking at what’s going to happen after that.”
Lum said Vice President Kamala Harris issued a communique to state governors last month encouraging them to renew local interest in the program.
“In the 21st Century, high-speed internet is essential for success,” Harris’ letter read. “Americans use their high-speed internet connection to receive an education, train for a new career, build a business, and keep in touch with loved ones who live far away. But in states across our nation, far too many families remain unconnected.”
Lum said that the FCC will conduct an outreach program to educate more people about how to access the program.
A household is eligible for the program if they earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level — for a family of four in Hawaii, that threshold is $63,840 — or if someone in the household: receives benefits from Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit; qualifies for participation in the federal Lifeline program; receives free or reduced-price school lunches; has received a federal Pell Grant in the current year; is eligible for a participating provider’s existing low-income program; or receives assistance through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children.
“Grassroots efforts like these are building the momentum to bring us all into the 21st century,” said Gov. David Ige in a statement. “Whether it’s broadband affordability programs, access to devices, digital literacy instruction and most importantly, the environment that builds confidence and dignity, this has the potential to help thousands of kamaaina gain access to the digital world.”
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.