646-921-1504

Hello , this is Joe Stelling from AARP New York , and I 'm calling to invite you to join an important conversation about the end of the affordable connectivity program that could help you save money on your high speed Internet bill . We have experts on the line with us right now to discuss this invaluable program that 's in jeopardy of shutting down . We 're talking about how you might be impacted , where you can go for help , and how you can help fight act to ensure Congress continues funding this important program , please stay on the line to be automatically connected to this important conversation . To reach AARP New York by phone , please call [REDACTED_NUMBER] - [REDACTED_NUMBER] - [REDACTED_NUMBER] during regular business hours . To reach us by mail , please send correspondence to [REDACTED_NUMBER] Washington Ave . Suite [REDACTED_NUMBER] , Albany , New York [REDACTED_NUMBER] . Please stay on the line to join this important conversation . Thank you . Please hold while we connect you to the AARP event . Good afternoon , everyone , and thank you for joining us for this conversation about the end of the affordable connectivity program that helps people save money on their Internet bills . I 'm Joe Stelling , AARP New York associate state director for advocacy . It 's not hard to understand the critical role that access to high speed Internet has played for millions of New Yorkers over the past several years . Without access to affordable , reliable , high speed Internet and the digital skills needed to use it , too many older New Yorkers are not able to fully participate in today 's economy . They risk missing out on opportunities like online learning , accessing important services , and keeping social connections crucial to their well being . They ca n't shop online for essentials like groceries and may not be able to virtually see their doctor or healthcare specialist who may be located miles away . Unfortunately , the lack of accessible and affordable high speed Internet also serves as a barrier for many who find themselves increasingly isolated and without many options for maintaining these vital connections . That 's why AARP fought so hard for the Affordable Connectivity program , or ACP for short , a federal benefit designed to help eliminate some of the financial barriers to high speed Internet access . So today we 're talking with you because this important program is in jeopardy of ending . The Federal Communications Commission , or FCC and your Internet service providers are already starting to wind down the program by contacting enrollees . So unless Congress acts to continue funding for the ACP , it 's going to run out of funding in April . Those who are currently enrolled in the program will no longer receive a discount on their Internet bill . So if you 've participated in one of our teletown halls here before with AARP , you know , this is like a radio talk show , and you have the opportunity to ask your questions of our guest experts live here on the air . We have some great experts with us first from the Federal Communications Commission and some of AARP 's own terrific folks with us today . So if you would like to ask a question of our guests at any time during this call about .