AT&T and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have joined forces to bring low-cost Internet service to families living in HUD-assisted housing.
Let’s be realistic here — the low-cost Internet service is starting small. It will begin in just 15 HUD-assisted projects spread across AT&T’s 21 state wireline service area. But it’s a beginning — a great beginning. And it’s in addition to a similar project announced by Comcast a few months ago.
It’s reason for residents of HUD-assisted housing to celebrate.
What you get, what you pay
Households that qualify for Access from AT&T will get the fastest of 3 speed tiers – 10Mbps, 5Mbps or 3Mbps – available at their HUD-assisted housing.
The top level, Internet speeds of 10Mbps and 5Mbps, will cost $10 a month. Speeds of 3Mbps will cost $5 a month. To sweeten the deal a little further, AT&T will waive all installation and internet equipment fees. And to keep Uncle Sam happy, you’ll need to pay an applicable taxes and fees.
How you can qualify
What does it take to qualify? Simple. You qualify if at least one resident in your household participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), otherwise known as food stamps. In California, households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may also qualify.
Of course, there is one other really logical key to qualifying. You must live in HUD-assisted housing in one of the 21 states where AT&T offers wireline home internet service. (After all, AT7t can’t offer it in areas where they don’t do business, right?)
Where it’s available
Executives at AT&T broke out their calculators and estimated that 1.4 million HUD-assisted households living in AT&T’s 21-state wireline service area may qualify to participate in Access from AT&T.
The 30 informational events are open forums for questions about Access from AT&T.
AT&T, HUD, and local housing authorities have scheduled a series of informational events in pilot communities across the country. more events this fall. Here’s where they’ll be held, so watch for announcements in your area:
- 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
That is where the pilot program will begin, but what are the 21 states in which AT&T will expand Access? Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin.
Politicians speak, blah-blah-blah
AT&T, HUD, and local politicians gathered at a Los Angeles housing project to announce this new effort.
Politically-ambitious HUD Secretary Julián Castro, a man who’s never met a TV camera he didn’t love, 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,” said Castro while frantically positioning himself so the TV cameras would capture his good side. “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.”
When Castro was finally pulled away from the TV cameras, AT&T California President Ken McNeely spoke about the impact low-cost Internet can have on needy families.
“High-speed internet increases access to education, healthcare and employment. It’s a key tool for advancing opportunities in all communities,” McNeely said. “Joining with HUD on the ConnectHome program helps us extend low-cost internet service to those who need it most.”
McNeely was then elbowed out of the way by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the only man in America who loves a TV camera more than Castro.
“We are bringing affordable service to residents who need it the most,” Garcetti said. “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.”
(OK, we’re kidding about all the elbowing and fighting for TV time. But knowing politicians as we do, it’s probably not far from true.)
How to contact AT&T
To learn more about Access from AT&T and see if you qualify, visit att.com/access. Or call (855) 220-5211 for assistance in English or (855) 220-5225 for assistance in Spanish.
Source: HUD
Adam Scopino Jr says
I’m a working class person, on government assistance, and on Section 8 (HUD) and I cannot afford internet services. I literally have to go to our local library to use there own computer. Unfortunately you supply the services to low income people on government assistance, who have no work, and have children in school. And it’s not fair for someone like myself who on a low income job that cannot afford internet services. As is, the services should go to senior citizens as well with little to no hardly no income!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet plans outlined at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to PCs for People, which is a great option if it’s available in your area. It is income-based, not program-based, so you will probably qualify.
Adam Scopino Jr says
I’m not a senior citizen, but I’m also on government assistance like Section 8, SNAP (formally food stamps), on HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program), and have a low income job who cannot afford internet (I go to the local library as well) or even cable services (that’s another story). So I really do understand where you are coming from. Sadly, these companies are a high prophet like consumers like ourselves who cannot afford to pay “top dollars” to companies who can afford themselves. In that said, the government gives internet services to families with children who are in school and not someone like ourselves who have little or hardly no money. Thereafter we get mislead or lied to by these politicians who gives you the “yes” routine and say that will give you the services for you. But we don’t get some of the government services that “supposedly” we’re entitled to. Yet we are fortunate to have a roof under our heads and hopefully food to eat.
Adrian Martinez Sr says
I t about time big company thinks about lower income families. This programs that they offer will help people who want to further there schooling so that people who are looking for employment can look for work. Because lot of people on fixed income don’t have transportion to put in applications. Now that internet companies are helping lower income families. I’m a senior on fixed income is applying for internet service hoping to help me keep in touch with my family and fellow Marines whom I couldn’t contact because I couldn’t afford internet service. Thank you. A Martinez
Commerce city colo.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
And thank you for your service, Adrian. We salute you!
Ronee Harrell says
Does ATT offer this program in Tacoma , Washington….
Cause I have a tablet that is combined with my daughter’s cell phone and internet service through ATT…….
She is low income an so am I , but we do not live together……?
She is charging me 50.00 a month for having Internet an 10gb of data, even though my tablet is Android an her devices are Microsoft …
I hope I explained it right..Is she over charging me….???
Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are low-income programs that cost far less than $50, but that doesn’t mean she is overcharging you because she may not be enrolled in one of them. And we’re confident that one of the low-income plans will be available in your area. Here’s a link so that you can check them all out:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pamela says
I had to laugh when I read this … I applied for ACCESS from AT&T back in MAY(2016), was accepted into the program, and as of today, DECEMBER, I STILL don’t have their low-cost services and am being billed at the usual ever-higher rates. I can’t even count the number of times that I have phoned, “chatted” and used their social media customer service to resolve exactly what the problem is. Nothing. The last time I was apologized to and ( once again) gave the representative ALL the pertinent information, and after waiting two more days for a response, was cheerfully given the web link to APPLY for the ACCESS program! I call ACCESS, and they tell me to contact AT&T, AT&T tells me to contact ACCESS! The two don’t even seem to be able to communicate with each other! The unfortunate result of this is that I am now being threatened with disconnection due to my inability to pay. This whole “low-income” internet offer is a crock, and I am disgusted.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unbelievable. Horrible story, Pamela. Have you tried asking for a supervisor?
VICTORIA ROGOJAN says
I did apply to AT&T Access for internet 10 days ago and I did not received any answer ! How long I have to wait because you say about 5-7 days. I do pay to much for my internet $44.00/month and I can not afford ? My income is $753.00/month and I pay the rent $200.00/month.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Have you checked the other low-income internet plans that are available, Victoria? Check them all out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Boldbaatar says
contact me please from mongolia
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Well, this is a first — the first time someone from Mongolia has contacted us looking for cheap internet. Unfortunately, Boldbaatar, but the program is limited to the United States. Sorry we can’t help you.
joan corron says
God has been good to allow people’s hearts to care for those of us who have met with hard times. Everyone found to be agreeable for this program and all the good it does will find many blessings come their way.
Leo M Tinsley says
I am a Volunteer Senior Companion with The City Of Oakland, CA. I have been searching more than a year to get low cost internet services for one my seniors in our program.He is 86 years & lives in HUD Assisted Senior Housing. He is in dire need of internet services. He has very nice computer from a ACCRC. But due to financing he has not been able to afford internet. I am of the belief that the quality his life & day to day activities can greatly improved by your services.
Thank You Much, for some assistance. You can really make his day.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Plans are coming, Leo, but they’re not here yet. Have you checked all the other low-income Internet options? Check them out on this page. Pay particular attention to PCs for People to see if it’s available in your senior’s area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Tracy Andrew says
This may be good for families or people that do not work….I have live in HUD property for last 7 years. I pay A LOT monthly to AT&T, but I have a part-time job which makes me ineligible for food stamps (SNAP).
I do not feel this is a true benefit because many are excluded from using this. How about an across the board HUD assistance for Adults too. I am always seeking how to pay less for my internet service. I MUST have internet because I am deaf and use a videophone. Without internet or home WiFi there is no way deaf person can use a videophone (VP). WOW!! I am disabled, yet not poor enough, haha.
Thanks for listening.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We suspect that the kind of service you’re looking for is somewhere down the road, but it’s not here yet, Tracy. Things are moving in your direction. Have you taken a look at all the other low-income Internet options available? Here’s where you can find them:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet