NORWICH – Chenango County residents are missing out on nearly $1.9 million in federal funding to lower their internet bills, according to the Chenango County Department of Planning and Economic Development.


Planning Department Director Shane Butler said that given current eligibility guidelines, roughly 35 percent of the county qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program administered by the Federal Communications Commission.


The program offers a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet services for eligible households. But only 26 percent of the county is taking advantage of the program, said Butler, leaving millions of dollars specifically earmarked for Chenango County untouched.

“There is a lot of money being left on the table for residents of Chenango County to receive a discount on their internet service,” said Butler. “I would encourage everyone to visit the FCC website to see if they are eligible.”

The Affordable Connectivity Program was started as a means to help individuals and families foot the expense of an internet connection, often needed for work, school, health care, and more.

Under FCC eligibility rules, households with an income below 200 percent of the federal poverty threshold qualify for the program. This means an individual earning $27,180 or less is eligible. Likewise, a family of four with a household income of $55,500 or less is eligible.

The Affordable Connectivity Program also allows eligible households to get a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers if they kick in more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.


The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.


The FCC outlines a two-step process to apply for the program. Those interested should first visit AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an online application or print a mail-in application. Next, they should contact their preferred participating internet provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to their bill.


Some providers may have an alternative application to complete.

Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.