The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) joined U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Julián Castro, Mayor Eric Garcetti and AT&T to announce a new affordable internet plan. AT&T Access will be available in 21 states including California. AT&T is also now a formal stakeholder in HUD’s ConnectHome Initiative, a public-private effort designed to help connect low-income families living in HUD-assisted housing to affordable internet service.
The announcement was made during a press event held at Estrada Courts public housing development in Boyle Heights. AT&T California President Ken McNeely and LAUSD Board President Steve Zimmer were present.
“By delivering internet access to low income communities, we are making sure that the young people can compete and that is the essence of ConnectHome, to get internet connection into every home,” said Secretary Julián Castro.
"High-speed internet increases access to education, healthcare and employment. It's a key tool for advancing opportunities in all communities," said AT&T California President Ken McNeely. "Joining with HUD on the ConnectHome program helps us extend low-cost internet service to those who need it most."
Prior to the event, Secretary Castro, Mayor Garcetti , AT&T President McNeely and HACLA CEO Doug Guthrie toured Estrada Courts and visited with the Mares family. Patricia and Antonio Mares have lived at Estrada Courts for 14 years along with their children Christian (24), Lisette (11) and Anthony (4). Due to the high cost, Mares family did not have internet access at home. Last week, they became the first households to sign up for Access Program from AT&T. When Secretary Castro asked Lisette, a 6th grader attending Christopher Dena Elementary school, how she did her homework prior to having internet at home, Lisettee stated that she relied on her parent’s mobile devices.
“Internet access is a modern necessity, not a luxury – especially for households with school-age children. To date, we have provided internet access to over 2,200 households. We are confident that more families across the city and those living in public housing communities will have the opportunity to get connected with the help of AT&T driving additional awareness of their low-cost program,” said Douglas Guthrie, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles.
Access from AT&T:
Households that qualify for Access from AT&T will get the fastest of 3 speed tiers - 10Mbps, 5Mbps or 3Mbps - available at their address. Internet speeds provided at 10Mbps and 5Mbps will cost $10 a month, and internet speeds at 3Mbps will cost $5 a month. AT&T will also waive installation and internet equipment fees for participating households. Additional taxes and fees will apply2.
Access from AT&T is offered to households located across the 21 states where AT&T offers wireline home internet service3, and at least 1 resident participates in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In California, households receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program benefits may also qualify.
AT&T has worked with more than 500 national, state and local groups to inform potential program participants. This includes social service groups and organizations that represent veterans, seniors, non-English speakers and others. AT&T has also contacted all school districts where Access from AT&T is available, asking for their help in communicating the program to families.
Learn more
To learn more about Access from AT&T and see if you qualify, visit att.com/access. Or call (855) 220-5211 for assistance in English or (855) 220-5225 for assistance in Spanish.
Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T internet services. For more information on AT&T internet, TV and voice services - or to find out if these services are available in your neighborhood - visit www.att.com/u-verse.4
About ConnectHome
Building on the Obama Administration's goal to expand high speed broadband to all Americans, in July 2015, President Obama and HUD Secretary Julián Castro announced ConnectHome, an initiative to extend affordable broadband access to families living in HUD-assisted housing. Through ConnectHome, internet service providers, non-profits and the private sector are offering broadband access, technical training, digital literacy programs, and devices for residents in assisted housing units in 28 pilot communities across the nation. ConnectHome creates a platform to help ensure that students have access to high-speed internet for studying and doing their homework at home, as well as in school.
Please click here to read AT&T's News Release.
Please visit AT&T's page to learn about Access from AT&T Program.
Click here for HUD's Press Release.