HONOLULU – As the COVID-19 pandemic moves us deeper into a digital world, internet connectivity is more critical than ever to access essential services including education and healthcare. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was created in response to COVID-19, is designed to modify and extend the existing  Emergency Broadband Benefit  Program (EBB). The Program will take effect on January 1, 2022 and continue providing discounts on internet service for low-income families statewide. ACP is funded through the $65 billion Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act that was passed by Congress in November 2021.

Currently, more than 17,000 households across Hawai‘i are enrolled in the EBB Program, providing more than $3 million in benefits locally. It is estimated that more than 100,000 Hawai‘i households could qualify for the ACP.

“The transition to the Affordable Connectivity Program through the Congress Infrastructure Bill establishes a more permanent program to address the cost of internet services for our local ‘ohana who otherwise may not be able to afford it,” said Burt Lum, Broadband Strategy Officer for the Hawaiʻi Broadband & Digital Equity Office. “This new, longer-term program brings us another step towards achieving digital equity in Hawaiʻi and most importantly, has the potential to help thousands of kamaʻaina residents have access to the digital world.”

While the purpose of this program remains the same, there are several key changes in the Affordable Connectivity Program:

Hawai‘i households are eligible to apply for the ACP if one member of the household meets one of the following:

To see the full list of eligibility details and participating Hawaii internet service providers, visit www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Hawaii.

For more information on the Program or to sign up visit www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.

About the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) 

DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

Burt Lum Broadband Strategy Officer Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (808) 587-9001 [email protected] https://broadband.hawaii.gov