Jersey City Expands Internet Access Through Federal Program

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A federal program to expand internet access is being rolled out by the city and the Jersey City Housing Authority.

Jersey City is launching the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, program that expands internet access to low-income residents across the country. All Jersey City Housing Authority residents are eligible for the program – nearly two-thirds of whom currently lack Wi-Fi access.

The program offers a temporary subsidy of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households, and up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Jersey City officials are proactively targeting low-income and JCHA residents to help build consumer awareness.

“Now more than ever before, digital access is a central part of everyday life; however, low-income urban communities have disproportionately limited internet access and often suffer compounding effects,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “Everyone deserves equal access to opportunity regardless of income level, and this program will help close the digital divide to ensure kids can do their schoolwork, residents can improve income potential, and families can utilize telehealth services, among many other enhanced economic and social opportunities.”

A household is eligible for the program if one member meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Has an income at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Participates in certain assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit, or Lifeline.
• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
• Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

The city has stations set up in City Hall and the City Hall Annex at 4 Jackson Square along MLK Boulevard, to help residents fill out applications. The stations have free computers and internet access as well as cit hall employees ready to help fill out the applications. To make an appointment residents can call the Resident Response Center at 201-547-4900. Walk-ins are also welcome at both locations during normal business hours.

Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment is now open. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application.

“Nationally, only one-third of public housing residents have internet access at home, and most of those households have only a cell phone to go online with,” said Vivian Brady-Phillips, Executive Director of the Jersey City Housing Authority. “We are partnering with community and faith-based organizations citywide that already work directly with eligible populations to build consumer awareness about the FCC program and maximize this opportunity for low-income households - some of the most isolated during the pandemic.”