Low-income Long Beach residents can now apply for cheaper internet services through the Internet Service Enrollment Line.
The enrollment line is powered by the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), which focuses on fostering public policy concerning the digital divide. Residents can call the hotline at 844-321-4472 between 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends.
Eligibility for low-cost internet services for Long Beach residents is dependent upon enrollment in at least one of the following programs: CalFresh, Lifeline, Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security (SSI), NSLP (Free or Reduced School Lunch Program) and/or Pell Grant.
Representatives are available to help in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog. Voicemail assistance is available 24 hours a day, including holidays.
The Internet Service Enrollment Line is staffed by digital inclusion navigators who will assist callers from start to finish with their low-cost internet service, according to a statement from the City. The CETF is a nonprofit that was created through a condition of the AT&T and Verizon merger in 2005.
The California Public Utilities Commission approved the merger on the condition that the two companies contributed $60 million into a nonprofit with the goal of increasing internet access to underserved communities. The companies currently contribute $12 million a year into the fund.
“I am proud of our efforts to bridge the digital divide in Long Beach by continuously expanding the digital resources and services available to residents and the way we serve our community,” said Technology and Innovation Department Director Lea Eriksen in a public statement.
Low-cost internet plan options depend on a person’s eligibility and the available offers from the local internet service provider in the area, according to Long Beach’s Technology and Innovation Department (TID). There is no cut-off time to apply for this service.
This service is available to all California residents. Learn more at internetforallnow.org/. The hotline number 844-321-4472 is specific to Long Beach residents, the TID told the Signal Tribune, allowing the City to gather data on the program.
