For Immediate Release: January 06, 2022
Contact: Jerri Mares (505) 321-4372
Albuquerque, NM – Today, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced his
office is working to help build awareness about the new Affordable Connectivity Program,
recently launched by the Federal Communications Commission. The new $14 billion
Affordable Connectivity Program has a long-term benefit that will help to lower the cost of
broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service. Eligible
households are encouraged to apply to receive up to $30 per month discount toward
internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible
households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of
a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more
than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
“At a time when the digital divide in New Mexico is among the worst in the nation, the
Affordable Connectivity Program can help students in our communities that are suffering
with lack of access to the internet,” said Attorney General Balderas. “I am pleased the
Federal government is taking steps to make sure that our most vulnerable populations
have equal access to the internet and education.”
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if a member of the
household meets at least one of the following criteria:
• Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines;
• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal
Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
• Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian
Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian
Reservations;
• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch
program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA
Community Eligibility Provision In the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022
school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income
program.
Eligible households can enroll now through a participating broadband provider or by going
to ACPBenefit.org to submit an online application or print a mail-in application. Additional
information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at www.fcc.gov/ACP, or
by calling (877) 384-2575
