North Charleston Mayor Burgess Hosts Affordable Connectivity Program Awareness event with Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition

MEDIA IS INVITED TO A PRESS CONFERENCE ON APRIL 30 AT 9 A.M. AT NORTH CHARLESTON CITY HALL

Lowcountry leaders are working to make sure thousands of people relying on federal internet financial aid know about the program’s wind down. The federal government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $30 per month internet service benefit to eligible households is running out of funding in May 2024. Almost 35,000 households in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties are currently enrolled in the ACP and will receive their last full monthly benefit in April. The following are the number of households affected by county:

Number of Households Affected by County:

• Berkeley County – 9,233 households
• Charleston County – 15,391 households
• Dorchester County – 10,059 households
  TOTAL – 34,683 households

North Charleston Mayor Reginald Burgess is hosting an ACP Awareness Day press conference on Tuesday, April 30th at 9:00 am at the North Charleston City Hall at 2500 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC. Tom Allen, Chief Technology Officer, SC Office of Regulatory Staff overseeing the South Carolina Digital Equity Plan will attend and provide highlights of the state's efforts to ensure all residents have access to affordable, high quality internet services. Dorchester County Councilwoman Harriett Holman, State Representative Jordan Pace, Berkeley County School District Board member Michael Ramsey, and other regional elected officials will be present to comment on the impact of the ending of the ACP on the tri-county region.

The Lowcountry Digital Equity Coalition (LDEC), in partnership with its' founder, Tri- County Cradle to Career Collaborative, has led the region's efforts to ensure broadband connectivity for all tri-county residents. The goal of the event is to inform the community about the ACP funding expiration, connect with those affected regarding the LDEC’s efforts, and advocate for future funding dedicated to ensuring all tri-county residents have access to the internet.

“It’s the Coalition’s mission to narrow the digital divide in our communities. By working together, we are one step closer to identifying how we can ensure our region is not only connected to high-speed internet but understanding how to leverage technology so it can enhance their quality of life,” said Natalie Hauff, LDEC Executive Committee Member and Charleston County Public Library Deputy Director.