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Verizon launches Free internet to bridge digital divide



11/08/2022

More families will be able to connect to the network on which America depends thanks to the Verizon Forward Program and the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program.


Verizon launches Free internet to bridge digital divide
Verizon has announced that select 5G Home and LTE Home Internet services are now available for free to qualifying households through the new Verizon Forward Program, as part of its ongoing mission to help ensure equal and affordable internet access for all.

Qualified customers can now take advantage of free Verizon Home Internet via 5G Home, LTE Home, or Fios.
 
Following the launch of Fios Forward earlier this year, qualifying customers can now get these Verizon Home Internet services for free. Citizen Verizon is the company's responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement.
 
The Verizon Forward Program is part of Verizon's participation in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which assists low-income households in paying for Internet and mobile services. Customers must be enrolled in ACP to be eligible for free Verizon Home Internet.
 
With Verizon Home Internet's dependable connection, the Verizon Forward Program will give qualifying customers the ability to stream, search, and download from home, all while enjoying the everyday benefits of being a Verizon Home Internet customer, such as no data caps, annual contracts, or equipment charges.
 
“Digital inclusion is not just nice to have, but a necessity. It is critical that we offer accessible, affordable and usable digital solutions. Income should not be a barrier for reliable connectivity, which is why it’s so important that we provide free Verizon Home Internet to ACP-qualifying customers across the country,” said Hans Vestberg, Verizon’s chairman and CEO. 
 
“Through programs like ACP and the Verizon Forward Program, we’re putting the power of technology in the hands of more families across the country and continuing the important work to achieve universal digital inclusion.”
 
Verizon builds networks that propel the world forward, and the Verizon Forward Program provides low-income families with affordable access to our fast and reliable internet plans. Customers deserve dependability when it comes to home internet across all of our Verizon Home Internet service brands, from Fios to 5G Home. Our network is now financially accessible to even more families thanks to the Verizon Forward Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
 
The ACP is a critical tool for addressing the cost barriers associated with reliable home internet, and we will strongly encourage qualified customers to use it.
 
Eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program
The FCC determines ACP eligibility, which is then verified by the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC). New and existing Verizon customers who meet any of the following criteria are eligible:
  • Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) enrolled customer
  • Lifeline enrolled customer
  • Participants of other Federal assistance programs (Medicaid, SSI, etc.)
  • HHI (Household Income) < 200% Federal Poverty Guideline
Ways to Check whether your ACP Eligibility 
Check out ACPBenefit.org to see if you are eligible for ACP, which is required for the Verizon Forward Program and Fios Forward. Customers who have been approved can complete their enrollment in ACP by going to www.verizon.com/affordableconnectivityprogram.
 
Verizon is committed to digital inclusion
Verizon is dedicated to fostering a digitally inclusive and equitable society by assisting more people than ever before in remaining connected and thriving in today's virtual learning environment. The company's responsible business goals for Citizen Verizon, a key pillar of Digital Inclusion, include providing 10 million youths with digital skills training by 2030 and supporting 1 million small businesses with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy by 2030.
 
To achieve these objectives, Verizon is providing free resources such as Verizon Innovative Learning HQ, an education portal that makes next-generation learning tools available to all K-12 educators nationwide, and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, a comprehensive online curriculum designed to assist small businesses with digitization through personalized learning, mentorship, peer networking, and more. 
 
Do visit Verizon to learn more about Verizon's Digital Inclusion efforts.