Under the Broadband Initiatives Program, eligible residents receive satellite Internet at a reduced rate and they receive free installation and free equipment leasing among other benefits. The reduced monthly rate will remain the same for as long as the individual subscribes to the service.
While the government’s effort to stimulate the economy in rural areas is greatly welcome, some rural residents are finding that they don’t qualify for the Broadband Initiative Program. Restrictions on eligibility were put in place, since there are obviously limits to what the government and satellite Internet ISPs can offer.
Eligibility requires that you not
*Currently have a satellite Internet account
*Have a previous account with a satellite Internet ISP
*Have wireline broadband (from phone or cable company) available to you
*Live in a rural community where the Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service or Dept. of Commerce’s National Telecommunications Information Administration has issued a loan or grant program.
Qualification for the Broadband Recovery Act requires that you
*Reside in a rural area (as designated by the government)
*Only be able to get online through dial-up
*Pass a credit check (unless you live in Vermont)
*Commit to a 12-month satellite Internet contract
Different satellite Internet ISP for different regions
Normally, you get to pick which satellite Internet ISP you want to go with. But your choice is made easier because the government created designated zones that each individual satellite Internet ISP can service under the Broadband Initiative Program. You’ll have to contact each ISP to find out if you are eligible.
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