The Affordable Connectivity program is a key initiative of the FCC that is designed to expand internet access to low-income households, including students. This program provides support to internet service providers (ISPs) who offer discounted rates to eligible households, including those that participate in the Lifeline program.
There are several ways in which the Affordable Connectivity program helps students stay connected:
- Providing affordable internet service: By offering discounted rates to eligible households, the Affordable Connectivity program helps students and their families access affordable internet service. This is especially important for students who may not have the financial resources to pay for full-price internet service, as it allows them to connect to the internet and access online resources and services that are essential for their education.
- Promoting digital literacy: By providing access to the internet, the Affordable Connectivity program can also help promote digital literacy among students. This includes helping students learn how to use the internet safely and effectively, as well as how to access and utilize online resources and services.
- Enhancing educational opportunities: Finally, the Affordable Connectivity program can help enhance educational opportunities for students by providing them with access to the internet and online resources. For example, students can use the internet to research topics for school projects, communicate with their teachers and classmates, and access online educational materials.
In addition to the Affordable Connectivity program, there are also several projects that have helped schools utilize the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program.