Recently, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro announced that AT&T is now a national stakeholder in HUD’s ConnectHome Initiative, a public-private effort designed to help connect low-income families living in HUD-assisted housing to low-cost internet service.
Over the next year, AT&T will host 30 events across 15 ConnectHome pilot communities located within AT&T’s 21-state wireline service area. The events will help inform HUD-assisted households about Access from AT&T, a low-cost internet service launched in April.
Speaking at a news conference today in the Boyle Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles, HUD Secretary Julián Castro said that ConnectHome and Access from AT&T can accomplish more by working together.
“By expanding access to internet, ConnectHome is providing families the tools they need to be competitive in this 21st century global economy,” says Secretary Castro. “Through this new collaboration, HUD and AT&T are taking an important step to narrow the digital divide and ensure opportunity for our nation’s children.”
“High-speed internet increases access to education, healthcare and employment. It’s a key tool for advancing opportunities in all communities,” says AT&T California President Ken McNeely. “Joining with HUD on the ConnectHome program helps us extend low-cost internet service to those who need it most.”
AT&T will provide up to 100 Udacity Nanodegree program scholarships to select participants in designated HUD communities. Nanodegree programs are self-paced, online curricula that provide students in-demand skills to help obtain tech-related jobs. Courses help students and job-seekers develop skills in areas such as web development, mobile development and data analytics.
“We are bringing affordable service to residents who need it the most,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti says. “I am committed to erasing a digital divide that leaves too many people without the tools to learn, find work, or maximize their potential. L.A. will be America’s most connected city, and with help from companies like AT&T, we will continue leading the world in innovation and creativity.” Douglas Guthrie, president and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, said, “Internet access is a modern necessity, not a luxury – especially for households with school-age children. To date, we have provided internet access to over 2,200 households. We are confident that more families across the city and those living in public housing communities will have the opportunity to get connected with the help of AT&T driving additional awareness of their low-cost program.”
Find an event
The 30 informational events are open forums for questions about Access from AT&T. Attendees can get help applying for the service online and learn about digital literacy tools on the AT&T Digital You portal. An estimated 1.4 million HUD-assisted households across AT&T’s 21-state wireline service area could qualify to participate in Access from AT&T.
The first event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 in the computer lab of the Estrada Courts development during a Community Resource Fair. AT&T is working with HUD and local housing authorities to schedule more events this fall. Join in one of these ConnectHome pilot communities:
- Albany
- Atlanta
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Choctaw Nation, Oklahoma
- Cleveland
- Fresno, California
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Macon, Georgia
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Nashville, Tennessee
- New Orleans
- Rockford, Illinois
- San Antonio, Texas
Access from AT&T:
Households that qualify for Access from AT&T will get the fastest of 3 speed tiers – 10Mbps, 5Mbps or 3Mbps – available at their address. Internet speeds provided at 10Mbps and 5Mbps will cost $10 a month, and internet speeds at 3Mbps will cost $5 a month. AT&T will also waive installation and internet equipment fees for participating households. Additional taxes and fees will apply.
Access from AT&T is offered to households located across the 21 states where AT&T offers wireline home internet service, and at least 1 resident participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In California, households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program benefits may also qualify.
AT&T has worked with more than 500 national, state and local groups to inform potential program participants. This includes social service groups and organizations that represent veterans, seniors, non-English speakers and others. AT&T has also contacted all school districts where Access from AT&T is available, asking for their help in communicating the program to families.
For more information, visit www.hud.gov.
