Get connected for less

KELLOGG — Everyone deserves access to fast, high-quality internet or preferred use of technology, like cellphones or landlines.

In a collaborative effort between Ziply Fiber, Kellogg Public Library, Community Action Partnership and Silver Valley Community Resource Center (SVCRC), an awareness event will be held to assist local community members with resources to help provide them with fast, high-quality internet and basic service plans for cellphones or landlines.

“Shoshone County is a population of older residents, many of who don’t have the finances, nor the technology to deal with cellphones, as their preference is landline phone use,” said SVCRC Director Barbara Miller. “Being able to provide basic phone service plans and amounts with the discount is basic. In the long run, anything to assist residents is a goal worth striving for.”

The programs will take into account household income, and if eligible families rely on governmental benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or WIC, they could qualify for reduced or even free home internet. The event is primarily to assist those who qualify to raise awareness and support in signing up for the different programs.

The awareness event will focus on two programs, The Affordable Connectivity Program and Federal Lifeline.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC benefit program that helps households afford the broadband they need for work, health care, school, and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. More information can be found at fcc.gov/acp.

The Federal Lifeline is a program through the Universal Service Administration Co. under the FCC, helping communities and people across the U.S. to stay connected to the information, resources and care that is needed.

The benefit can go toward a phone, internet or bundled service provided through the company used. Households can be eligible based on their income or participation in a government assistance program. More information can be found at lifelinesupport.org.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 12, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Kellogg Library at 16 W. Market Ave.

Hosted by Ziply Fiber, Kellogg Public Library, Community Action Partnership and Silver Valley Community Resource Center.

For more information on the event, contact Chris St. Germaine, Local Ziply Partnerships manager, at 208-400-0602 or email at chris.stgermaine@ziply.com.