Colorado goes analog to boost affordable internet program after just 23% of eligible households join

An effort to boost awareness of the year-old Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is getting more local after earlier attempts to promote it statewide resulted in just 23% of eligible Colorado households signing up to get up to $30 off their internet bills. To get the rest of the 77% signed up, state officials feel that the campaign needs to go analog and provide help right in local libraries, schools, and community centers. Lt Governor Dianne Primavera (D-CO) announced the new Colorado ACP Act Now, an initiative that includes partnering with the nonprofit EducationSuperHighway and 71 public libraries, city governments, internet providers, and others statewide to help their neighbors get connected in person. The organization is providing training and tools at no charge to Colorado. 181,867 households in Colorado had enrolled. State officials estimate that 800,000 are eligible, which means 23% have signed up. Evan Maxwell, CEO and founder of EducationSuperHighway, said his company's task is more or less accomplished, with 99.7% of schools served. The company has since turned to increase ACP awareness and adoption to help states find those eligible households who really could use faster internet.

[02/22/2023]