Award will enable some Newark residents to get $30/month subsidy to expand internet access

Invest Newark received $400K grant from FCC to increase connectivity in city

Invest Newark received a target grant of $400,000 to facilitate the promotion and participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program among eligible households — an effort by the Federal Communications Commission to increase internet access.

The ACP provides a $30-a-month subsidy to eligible households for their internet or mobile phone bill. To learn more and to sign up for Affordable Connectivity Program, click here, visit any Newark Public Library or go to City Hall (Room 209 or 315) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (1-3 p.m.) or Friday (9-12 p.m.).

Invest Newark CEO Marcus Randolph was thrilled to earn the award.

“The city of Newark, Invest Newark and the Newark Alliance are committed to expanding access to affordable high-speed internet to those most in need, and this award will allow us to increase awareness and adoption of the ACP program,” he said.

Aaron Meyerson, chief innovation economy officer & director of broadband for the city of Newark, was thrilled.

“With this award, Invest Newark will partner with community organizations, public libraries, schools, faith-based organizations and other local leaders to increase awareness and adoption of the program,” he said. “Increasing adoption of ACP means more students can do their homework from home, more jobs can be applied to from home and more older adults can contact their loved ones using the internet.

“Adoption of ACP also means more money back in the pockets of Newarkers. We’re looking forward to the months ahead and ensuring every eligible Newark household take advantage of this program.”

The program, which awarded $66 million in funds nationwide, also provided grants to three other N.J. organizations:

  • Thomas Edison State University in Trenton: $400,000;
  • City of Hoboken: $326,920;
  • HOPES Community Action Partnership Inc. (in Hoboken): $300,000.