The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and AT&T today announced they are working together to promote Access from AT&T, the AT&T veterans broadband offering to provide affordable home internet access to consumers, including low-income veterans, military caregivers and their families. Through the partnership, AT&T and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation will help educate these veteran families about this opportunity to receive low-cost internet service.
The partners, citing the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, say that nearly one-third (30%) of low-income veterans do not have internet access. In an attempt to bridge this gap, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and AT&T will reach out to veterans and their families through an established community of caregivers and civic leaders, in addition to hosting events, meetings and support groups.
Access from AT&T is available in AT&T’s 21-state area. The program with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation will target six major metros within that territory.
To qualify for Access from AT&T, at least one household resident must participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In California only, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients also may qualify. AT&T assigns participants the fastest of 5 possible speed tiers available at their residence — 10Mbps and 5Mbps for $10 a month, and 3Mbps, 1.5Mbps or 768Kbps for $5 a month.
“Whether arranging benefits, finding employment, or connecting with peers, veterans and their caregivers rely on the internet for so much of their daily lives,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, in a prepared statement. “We are proud to work with AT&T to help connect low-income veteran and caregiver families to the services they need to thrive in their communities.”
“Affordable access to the internet helps individuals and communities stay connected, do business and grow,” said Erin Scarborough, vice president, wired voice and broadband products, AT&T, in a prepared statement. “We are proud to help promote digital inclusion for low-income, veteran households, and glad to see organizations like The Dole Foundation support this program.”
