Mediacom: nearly 7K Iowa households participating in Affordable Connectivity Program

Mediacom Communications reports that it now has more than 25,000 customers, including nearly 7,000 Iowa households, participating in a new federal program that enables low-income households to receive discounted or free broadband service.

Included in the federal infrastructure bill, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a monthly credit of $30 to eligible participants.

According to a news release, officials with United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties consider the broadband benefit to be a key tool to support healthier families, and the organization is collaborating with Mediacom to expand awareness so that more local residents will get connected and stay connected to high-speed internet service.

“From the pandemic, we learned high-speed internet service is crucial for families to overcome the challenges associated with the digital gap,” said Patti Fields, United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement, in the release. “United Way is excited to partner with Mediacom to increase our communities’ access to the Affordable Connectivity Program and assist families in removing one of the barriers to stability.”

In an effort to maximize the ACP benefit for qualifying households, Mediacom made a commitment to the Biden Administration to provide 100 Mbps download speeds to low-income Americans for just $30 per month. By matching this $30 high-speed internet plan called Mediacom Connect-2-Complete Plus (C2C+) with the monthly $30 ACP credit, eligible customers can receive their broadband service from Mediacom for free. The ACP credit can be applied to any residential service Mediacom offers, according to the release.

“Reliable internet is no longer a nice-to-have– it’s a must-have,” said Mediacom Group Vice President Steve Purcell in the release. “Without affordable access, thousands of Iowans are cut-off from a digital world that increasingly relies on the internet to learn, work, search for jobs and receive health care.”

The Federal Communications Commission awards the monthly ACP credit to families with income at 200% of the federal poverty guideline or lower, and to those who qualify for other forms of government assistance. The broadband credit is limited to one per household. Customers who choose Mediacom’s C2C+ service receive lease-free modems and free installations, according to the release.

Mr. Purcell explains that Mediacom is working to expand enrollment and is asking local human service and non-profit organizations to also share information about the free and low-cost broadband options.

“Our fiber-based broadband service is available in 320 Iowa communities, including low-population towns where people may be isolated,” Mr. Purcell said. “We want to help Iowans stay connected to people and resources that contribute to their well-being.”

The ACP benefit is available to both new and existing Mediacom customers who qualify.  Households interested in participating in the ACP must confirm eligibility to enroll in the program. Information can be found online at www.mediacomcable.com/acp or by calling: 855-330-6918.