How To Get A Free Government iPhone With The EBB Program
The iPhone has become an integral part of our society. Along with allowing us to communicate across great distances, the iPhone provides us with a wealth of information at our fingertips. We can use it to perform research, apply for jobs, take pictures, and much more. But, for some people having access to an iPhone is difficult for many reasons.
The digital divide that exists in our society highlights the widening gap between those who have access to critical information and those who don’t. Government programs aim to help close the digital divide and help those in need get access to vital information.
Are you wondering what kinds of government programs help close the digital divide? One such government program, the EBB program, can help you get an iPhone for free, provided you meet the criteria.
Here are a few more critical points about how the digital divide is, how the digital divide has impacted society, how the EBB/ ACP program works, and if you may be eligible to participate in government-sponsored assistance programs.
What Is the Digital Divide?
Millions of people in the United States deal with inadequate access to essential information daily. The lack of available information and technology to specific demographics are a few pillars of the digital divide. The digital divide has been a problem for many years, dating back to the internet’s beginnings in the 1990s. At first, the term described the differences in households that had internet access. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the definition of the digital divide has expanded.
As it currently stands, the definition of the digital divide includes the gap between people who have technology and internet access and those who don’t.
Other factors for the digital divide include
- Who can afford access to these technologies
- If you can access internet service in your area
- If you can sufficiently use the technology at your disposal
- How well the products function
The Impact of The Digital Divide
The lack of information can come from factors such as no internet access, not having a computer, or having to rely on outdated technology. A recent study indicates that a large percentage of households that bring in less than $30,000 don’t have a smartphone in the house. Not having a smartphone can make it challenging to keep up with current events, monitor tasks, and communicate with people from far away.
Also, some items are too costly for families in specific income brackets, and they must make difficult choices when distributing their monthly budget.
For instance, some families would instead place their focus on keeping their refrigerators stocked rather than concern themselves with internet access or having a smartphone available. These financial discrepancies create gaps in who can access information and the technology that distributes it. These technologies can include
- Computers
- Smart Phones
- Television sets
- A Router
- A modem
The digital divide can also create barriers in other forms. For example, not having a computer or internet access at home can impact a child’s education because they may be unable to download and complete assignments or keep up with course materials.
Other barriers can come as by-products of the digital divide, such as employment discrepancies, lack of healthcare, and transportation limitations.
What is the EBB Program?
The world continues to increase its reliance on technology, and the gap between those who can utilize new technologies and those who can’t use them continues to widen. But, programs like the EBB program aim to help bridge gaps in information and technology. The EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) program is a government-sponsored initiative to help low-income households afford internet services and internet-dependent hardware such as modems and routers.
An additional benefit of the EBB program is it can give you free access to smartphones, including iPhones, as they can help with education and aid in completing tasks.
Applying For EBB and the ACP
To better facilitate closing the gap on technology discrepancies, a new government initiative has been implemented to help many households get connected to the internet and the information they need. The ACP, or the Affordable Connectivity Program, serves as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and aims to help bring affordable internet and technology to many under-served communities.
Taking advantage of all the EBB has to offer begins with checking your eligibility requirements.
Before you apply, you may be eligible for benefits if you
- Take part in the free or reduced lunch program
- Participate in SNAP
- Have Medicaid
- Use Lifeline
- Received a federal pell grant in the last year
After this, you can complete your application by searching for lifeline or ACP providers in your state and if they provide free iPhones or not. Once you’ve verified that the provider in your area supplies ACP recipients with iPhones, you’ll then need to submit documentation that verifies a change in income or a document that shows your current income, such as a pay stub. The documentation you need to have available depends on the provider and your situation.
Other Government Programs
In addition to the EBB/ACP program, the lifeline program helps low-income families get the internet services they need. The lifeline program is available in every state in the U.S and has many of the same requirement qualifications as the EBB/ACP. To apply, you’ll need to answer a few questions to verify your income and if you receive other government assistance programs.
Final Points On Government Assistance Programs
We rely on technology to learn, stay in touch with others, and accomplish tasks.
The digital divide and income disparities make it difficult for some families to access the technology they need to stay connected to the world. Having a smartphone, such as an iPhone, opens up a world of exploring possibilities. Although affordability can be a difficult barrier to overcome, the federal government is trying to implement programs to help citizens have equal opportunities.
Understanding how these benefits aim to close the gap in information distribution is the key to building a better future for your family and staying connected to the world around you.
