The Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development has announced support for Missouri ACP Act Now, an initiative led by national nonprofit EducationSuperHighway (ESH). Missouri ACP Act Now aims to increase awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a long-term federal benefit that helps eligible households pay for high-speed internet.
“As we continue to expand broadband access in our state, the Affordable Connectivity Program is another resource available for Missouri households,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Alongside our historic investments made in broadband infrastructure, this program is helping achieve a more connected future. We appreciate the efforts of partner organizations like EducationSuperHighway in ensuring every Missourian has access to quality, high-speed internet.”
The ACP is a $14.2 billion federal broadband benefit funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that provides eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month or up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The program can also provide a one-time $100 discount toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. More than 1 million Missourians are eligible for the ACP, while just 33 percent of those eligible have enrolled.
“EducationSuperHighway and its promotion of the Affordable Connectivity Program is playing a valuable role in connecting all Missourians,” said BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “The support of organizations from every corner of our state is vital to expanding broadband access. We’re proud to work alongside a diverse range of partners to overcome barriers to full participation in the digital economy.”
The Missouri ACP Act Now initiative unites a broad coalition of partner cities and counties, community-based organizations, and trusted institutions in partnership with ESH as it works to close the broadband affordability gap.
The coalition of partners will have access to resources to help them overcome the complex awareness, trust, and enrollment barriers that prevent households in the most under-resourced communities from enrolling. Resources include email marketing templates, social media campaigns, and a pre-enrollment tool, which is available at GetACP.org/Missouri. Community leaders can use these resources to promote the ACP and help eligible families enroll.
About EducationSuperHighway
EducationSuperHighway is a national nonprofit with the mission to close the digital divide for the 18 million households that have access to the Internet but can't afford to connect. The organization focuses on America's most unconnected communities, where more than 25 percent of people lack Internet.
From 2012 to 2020, EducationSuperHighway led the effort that closed the classroom connectivity gap. In 2013, only 10 percent of students had access to digital learning in their classrooms. Today, thanks to an unprecedented bipartisan effort by federal, state, and school district leaders, supported by K-12 advocacy organizations, the classroom connectivity gap is closed - 47 million students are connected, and 99.3 percent of America's schools have a high-speed broadband connection.
To learn more about EducationSuperHighway, visit educationsuperhighway.org.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create greater opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.