Staying connected: Affordable or free internet touted at Van Dyke Houses enrollment fair

Brooklyn residents on Saturday learned about ways to stay connected through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

News 12 Staff

May 13, 2023, 10:11 PM

Updated 509 days ago

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Brooklyn residents on Saturday learned about ways to stay connected through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Vendors were set up at the Van Dyke houses to help the residents get access to affordable or free internet for those who sign up. The Affordable Connectivity Program was created by the federal government in 2021. It’s a $14 billion program that offers discounts up to $30 a month toward internet services. The program was hosted by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and the Federal Connections Commission. The enrollment fair featured different providers like Optimum, Verizon and Cricket.
As an added bonus, free internet is offered for residents at Van Dyke and other NYCHA complexes due to the partnership between Big Apple Connect and Optimum.
Rep. Jeffries says more households should be able to benefit from this affordability program. Any households on federal low income programs such as SNAP, Disability, Veteran and Public Housing can be eligible for benefits.
Optimum is a part of the parent company for News 12.