What Illinois Residents Need to Know About The AT&T Access Program
If you're sick of paying expensive bills for your internet service, you might want to look into AT&T's Access program. AT&T Access launched several months ago in a bid to help bridge the digital divide. It's no secret that there's a huge disparity in the U.S. amongst higher-income families with internet and lower-income families without any service.
The Digital Divide in Chicago
According to the Pew Research Center, over 16% of Americans do not use the internet including 22% of all rural residents. American adults with high levels of education, and especially those residing in wealthier areas, tend to have access to the internet. Families making less than $30,000 annually are least likely to use the internet.
Chicago, in particular, has a huge variance in how many people have internet usage with internet usage ranging from 36% to 94% within a given neighborhood. While Chicago has implemented programs in hopes of narrowing the digital divide, a study by the MacArthur Foundation and Partnership for a Connected Illinois found that these efforts were slowing down. As such, AT&T's Access program offers a way to narrow the digital divide by offering high speed internet at an affordable price.
AT&T Access Program is in Illinois
AT&T's Access program is available in 21 states, including Illinois, and offers a way to service low-income families without internet access. The Access Program from AT&T offers wireline home internet service from $10 per month for qualifying households. No deposit or installation is needed and qualifying members get access to AT&T's national Wi-FI hotspot network as well.
What are these requirements?
• At least one family member is actively participating in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• You have to live in one of the 21 qualifying states.
• You cannot have any outstanding debt incurred from the Access Program or debt with AT&T for fixed internet service within the past six months.
What to do if you're interested and qualify
If you tick all the boxes for eligibility and are interested in applying for AT&T's Access Program, ironically, you have to submit an application online or via email. You can also print out the online application and send it through fax or by regular mail.
After qualifying for AT&T's Access program, the program will be available for four years-from April 2016 to April 2020. You must be sure to recertify every year to prove you still meet all the requirements. If you sign up after April 2019, you'll still be able to benefit from low cost internet for one year after signing up for the program.
The Benefits of Internet Access For All
Various reports and studies have touched on the importance of equal internet access. Internet access helps increase economic growth, provides access to better health care, and facilitates civic participation. In addition to these benefits, a majority of job postings are now located online-without access to the internet, individuals are at a disadvantage.
If you don't qualify for the Access program, there are other ways you can gain internet access in Chicago. There are wireless internet zones throughout the city which offer free public Wi-Fi networks for use. Just be sure to use a VPN if you connect to public WiFI. Organizations throughout the city, such as the Chicago Public library and Senior Centers have internet connected computers that you can use. Make use of the free resources at your disposal to ensure that you reap all the benefits the digital age brings with it.