State goes analog to boost a ordable internet program

Only 23% joined

BY TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN

An e ort to boost awareness of the year-old A ordable Connectivity Program is getting more local after earlier attempts to promote it statewide resulted in just 23% of eligible Colorado households signing up to get up to $30 o their internet bills.

To get the rest of the 77% signed up, state o cials feel that the campaign needs to go analog and provide help right in local libraries, schools and community centers.

In a news conference Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera announced the new Colorado ACP Act Now, an initiative that includes partnering with the nonpro t EducationSuperHighway and 71 public libraries, city governments, internet providers and others statewide to help their neighbors get connected in person. e organization is providing training and tools at no charge to Colorado.

“We know the broadband a ordability gap disproportionately a ects low income families and individuals who have less than high school education and communities of color,” Primavera said. “So, to close the gap we need to ensure unconnected households know about the A ordable Connectivity Program and have the help that they need to enroll.”

Subsidizing Americans’ internet service became a priority during the pandemic as millions of people were stuck at home. ose with subpar internet service, or none at all, had di culty attending school remotely, or had few work-from-home options. e federal Emergency Broadband Bene ts provided $50 a month