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  • The ABC for Students program will help households throughout Alabama access internet. Governor Kay Ivey has committed $100 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to deliver free internet access to eligible K-12 students in their homes. The State of Alabama will use the funds to purchase internet service for low-income households with K-12 students so the children can participate in distance learning. Learn more about ABC Internet at this link. 


    The Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students program will provide free internet access for eligible students who are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program through their schools. We are working to make the process as easy as possible for students who choose to participate.

    If your student is enrolled in the National School Lunch Program through their school, you are already enrolled in the Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students program. You will receive a prepaid voucher letter by U.S. mail in the coming weeks. Then all you’ll have to do is call the internet service provider of your choice, give them your voucher number, and sign up for service. If you have recently moved, please call your school to update your address. We know you have questions. We have answers:

    How do I sign up? If your student is enrolled in the National School Lunch Program, you don’t need to do anything. You will automatically receive a voucher by U.S. mail in the coming weeks.
    If your student is not enrolled in the National School Lunch Program but you believe you are eligible for that program, contact your school. Once you enroll in the National School Lunch Program, you will automatically be added to the Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students voucher mailing list.
    Who is eligible? Households of students who currently are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program through their local schools and who meet that program’s income requirements will receive an Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students voucher by mail in the coming weeks.

    If you believe you are eligible for the National School Lunch Program but are not yet enrolled, please contact your student’s school directly. Your student’s school can help you sign up for the National School Lunch Program — and will notify the Alabama Department of Education that you are enrolled. Then your family will automatically receive an Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students voucher letter by mail.

    What does the Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students voucher cover? The voucher you receive in the mail will cover the cost of equipment, installation, and high-speed internet service through December 30, 2020. You will be able to use your voucher once, with one internet service provider, to sign up for service for the duration of the program. Your family won’t receive any bills and will not be charged any additional fees by your internet service provider. The State will handle all of the paperwork for you.

    What type of internet service can I get? Your voucher will cover the cost of service from whichever participating internet service providers are available in your area. Depending on where you live, you might be able to choose from cable, fixed wireless, DSL, satellite, or cellular service. Don’t worry — along with your voucher, you’ll get a list of nearby internet service providers that are ready to sign you up. All you’ll have to do is pick a provider and call them with your voucher number. They’ll sign you up, install or send you any equipment you might need, and start your service.

    When will I get my voucher? The Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students Program will automatically mail vouchers beginning in September to households of every student that is enrolled in the National School Lunch Program (as provided to the program by the Alabama Department of Education). The voucher letters might take some time to get to your home. If you want to take action to ensure your voucher letter is on the way, please contact your school to confirm that your student is enrolled in the National School Lunch Program. Also be sure to confirm that the address they have on file for your student is the address where your student will use high-speed internet service for distance learning.

    What if I’m not enrolled in the National School Lunch Program? If you think you’re eligible for the National School Lunch Program but are not already enrolled, please call your school. They will help you enroll in the National School Lunch Program — and then they’ll let the Alabama Department of Education know that you’re eligible for the Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students voucher. You’ll automatically receive an Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students voucher in the mail after you enroll in the National School Lunch Program.

    Who should I call if I have more questions? It depends! Call 888-212-4998 If you are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program but do not receive a voucherby the end of September, please call your student’s school to verify they have your current address. Once you receive your voucher, call the participating internet service providers listed on your voucher letter and let them know that you have an “Alabama ABC Voucher.” Your internet service provider will be able to address questions about signing up for service — and any issues with the quality of your service, your installation, and so on.
    Still have questions? By the time you receive your voucher letter in the mail, we will have a customer service center with a toll-free number for you to call. We can answer questions about how to use your voucher then.