As the telecom industry pushes legislators to make new funding available for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), one provider isn’t counting on that. Instead, the provider – Burlington, VT-based Burlington Telecom—has begun offering an alternative self-funded low-income broadband program.
“ACP is an extension of the Emergency Broadband Initiative, which was rolled out as a temporary program while funds lasted,” said a Burlington Telecom spokesperson in an email to Telecompetitor. “Long-term funding for the ACP is not guaranteed.”
The ACP program is expected to run out of funding next year unless Congress makes additional funding available for it.
Burlington Telecom participates in the ACP, but has also launched its own program, known as the Internet Assistance Program.
The program offers two options for qualifying low-income customers. Customers can get a 50 Mbps symmetrical service for $9.95 a month or can pay $24.95 a month for a 150 Mbps symmetrical service.
To qualify for the Internet Assistance Program, customers must live in the Burlington Telecom service area and have no outstanding debt with the company.
In addition:
- The program applicant’s name must match the Burlington Telecom account name, except if applying through a child or dependent program
- The service cannot be combined with any other discount program
- All supporting documents must be dated within the past two months
- Eligibility must be reconfirmed each year
- Burlington Telecom offers a link that enables customers to check their eligibility
The provider offers two ways that a household can apply. They can start the process via a secure online form at this link. Alternatively, applicants can submit hard copies of documentation via mail or fax or by dropping the documentation off at one of two Burlington Telecom locations.
The Internet Assistance Program replaces the current EDU-NET program, Burlington Telecom said.
