AT&T announced its Access from AT&T program today, aimed at making wireline home Internet service more affordable for low-income households. Qualifying households will reportedly get the fastest of three speed tiers – 10 Mbps, 5 Mbps or 3 Mbps – available at their address. The 10 Mbps and 5 Mbps tiers will cost $10/month, and 3 Mbps will go for $5/month. The company also says it will waive installation and Internet equipment fees.
The launch is tied to one of the approval conditions mandated when AT&T acquired DirecTV. It reports that since Fall 2015, it has reached out to more than 300 organizations that work with low-income individuals and families – school districts, organizations that represent veterans, elderly and non-English speakers – to educate potential participants interested in the program.
Access from AT&T is available to households with at least one resident participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and located within the 21 states the company offers home Internet service.
“At EveryoneOn, we believe that a home Internet connection is life-changing. From completing homework online to applying for a job to interacting with family and friends, a connection to the digital world is vital for all Americans” Chike Aguh, CEO at EveryoneOn, comments. “Access from AT&T, and other programs like it, will help more low-income Americans experience the opportunity that the Internet provides.”
The program will be available through April 2020.