Paul Bunyan Communications Taking Part in FCC Program for Affordable Internet

With inflation raising the prices of seemingly everything from the gas pump to the grocery store, organizations are partnering up with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to lower the price of broadband services.

Paul Bunyan Communications went to Ponemah on Tuesday to assist low-income residents in signing up for the Affordable Connectivity Program, allowing more people access to the internet.

Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the worldwide web became a daily necessity. But, for some people, this necessity came at a steep price. In response, the FCC introduced an old phone program with a new name.

The Affordable Connectivity Program aims to cut the cost of broadband services in low-income areas. It mainly assists people who use financial assistance programs such as free or reduced lunches, Pell Grants, or SNAP benefits. On tribal lands, households can qualify for up to $75 in monthly service discounts on a single device.

Paul Bunyan Communications is one organization working to provide this service in the area. Through events like the one hosted at the Ponemah Boys and Girls Club, people were able to begin logging in through the sign-up day.

But these new programs do not come without challenges. When first introduced, multiple participating organizations were attempting to access the site and understand the program. Spreading information about what this program does is also an obstacle, as those who benefit from it the most may not have the ability to access such information.

To sign up, people can contact Paul Bunyan Communications or go to the FCC’s website.