4.6 SR 01-02-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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136. Affordability and Digital Literacy Assistance and Accessibility Programs for Tekstar/Arvig subscribers can be found at https://arvig.net/assistanceprograms The applicant is an ETC, therefore provides Lifeline benefits for broadband and telephone service customers for those who are eligible. Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making Internet and Telephone service more affordable for low-income households providing eligible consumers a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month. Customers who are eligible for Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, Federal public Housing Assistance, SSI, or WIC are also eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a long-term program that will replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) that provides discounts today. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per eligible household on your internet service and up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands. The Tekstar/Arvig Internet Education Assistance Program also provides households with a discount of $10 on the internet plan of their choice as long as they participate in the National School Lunch Program annually and enroll in AutoPay agreeing to receive their billing statement via email. This program is currently available if the household is participating in the Lifeline and EBB programs. The Minnesota Telephone Assistance Program is also available where low-income eligible participants are provided monthly telephone service discounts on one landline or wireless telephone per household. Tekstar/Arvig does advertise these assistance programs and they are typically discussed with current and potential customers as they are available as a standard for all existing and new Tekstar/Arvig subscribers and households. At the time new service is requested, inquiries are made regarding any need for assistance programs. For additional information, details, weblinks to forms and applications regarding participation and individual assistance, please refer to the following website: https://arvig.net/assistanceprograms Digital Literacy Tekstar/Arvig has well -established support mechanisms to facilitate, increase, and improve digital literacy throughout their service territories including training and technical support assistance actively available via Arvig.net. Several how-to technical support videos are also available for review and accessible via YouTube at https://www,youtube.com/user/ArvigHQ. Technical support and training promotional materials are available on an on -going basis through Arvig's social media pages, newsletter articles and blog. Examples of articles include internet applications, security, and instructional documentation on how to surf the net . In addition, frontline staff are always available to provide live customer care via telephone, chat, email, and by appointment. New customers are encouraged to chat, call, and email us for technical support and one -one walk-through for assistance. 137. Community Support Information Letters of engagement and community support from the City of Elk River and Superintendent of Elk River Schools (Dr. Bittman) are attached. No other in -kind, contribution of funds, easements, permissions to use public property, or other financial assistance is anticipated at this time.