August and September are the Get Connected! California months. SBC, in partnership with Gold Country Broadband Consortium, is promoting and supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program to help qualifying households afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households can reduce their monthly internet bill up to $30 and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. These households are also eligible for a one-time $100 discount when buying a laptop or tablet from participating providers.

Residents who qualify for the following programs will most Iikely qualify for the ACP discount:

• Medicaid/MediCal
• SNAP
• WIC
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing
• Veterans or Survivors Pension
• Tribal Programs
• Free or Reduced Lunch Program
• Federal Pell Grant
• Household income that is at 200% or below the Federal Poverty Level
• Lifeline Program (if resident is currently enrolled, they do not have to apply for the ACP)

Two Steps to Enroll:

1. Go to www.internetforallnow.org/applytoday/ to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
2. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.

We are looking for as much support as possible to promote this program. Reach out to Kari Sinoff at ksinoff@sierrabusiness.org or at (530)-562-4992 to receive a media packet to share with organizations who wish to participate in promoting the ACP enrollment effort and expanding digital equity. 

For assistance with processing applications or any questions regarding individual eligibility, please contact Kari Sinoff at ksinoff@sierrabusiness.org or call (530)-562-4992. 

Local Agency Technical Assistance Grant

SBC and Gold Country Broadband Consortium want to ensure you are aware that the Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grant application window is now open. This program can provide up to $500,000 per local agency or tribal government, per fiscal year, to reimburse pre-construction expenses for last mile and middle mile broadband development in unserved/underserved communities. Applications will be reviewed on a monthly rolling basis until funding allocation is extinguished. We would like to support your efforts in applying for this funding. We recommend agencies apply as soon as possible.  

Visit the LATA CPUC webpage for more information, including recordings of webinar presentations.   

For assistance with processing applications or any questions regarding individual eligibility, please contact Kari Sinoff at ksinoff@sierrabusiness.org or call (530)-562-4992.