Gov. Moore Joins FCC Chair at Salisbury University to boost promote affordable internet enrollment

SALISBURY, Md – Governor Moore Joined FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel lat a training program at SU to help people enroll low-income Marylanders in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program.

Under the program, those making up to  200% their state’s poverty line or benefiting from other measures like Pell Grants or Snap are eligible to receive up to 30 dollars a month off their internet service fee.

In Maryland, the state allows for an additional 15 dollars off for households that qualify.

However Governor Moore and FCC officials say not all who quality enroll, and they hope to boost the take rate across the US and Maryland.

Speaking at the event Moore highlighted the different ways to qualify for the program including receiving Pell Grants, a population that encompasses 25 percent of SU students.

“When we’re talking about the people who are going to benefit from this type of initiative, we don’t have to look any further than this campus because oftentimes when people think about a higher education, they’re fine, well, they’re fine if we make it so,” Governor Moore said.

Officials say they do not expect a 15 million dollar minimum wage that is set to begin in Maryland in 2024 is not expected to drop enrollment, as they pointed to multiple ways to qualify including having children that qualify for free or reduced school lunch as well as income supplement programs from State or Federal programs.

Speaking at the event Maryland Housing Secretary and former Mayor Jake Day said in Salisbury over half of those who qualify, are not enrolled, representing 3,200 households.

Those looking to enroll can visit the ACP program page on the FCC website.