One way telecoms can help bridge the digital divide is by making sure that customers take full advantage of any grants or programs that could help pay for broadband access.

Southwest Texas Communications is doing its best to do just that by actively promoting the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The company has featured ACP to its eligible residents in Rocksprings, Vinegarroon, Barksdale, Camp Wood, D’Hanis, Utopia and Vanderpool with a prominent display on its home page, reminders in the company newsletters, and even a video that walks customers through the basics.

The ACP is a U.S. program that aims to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. Eligibility is determined by household income, or by participation in other government benefit programs like Medicaid, Pell Grants or SNAP. Those eligible can receive $30 or up to $75 per month toward internet service, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

Southwest Texas Communications serves more than 4,500 access lines within 3,675 square miles, with 3,716 miles of facilities and a density of 1.22 access lines per square mile. Southwest Texas Communications is still family-run, and now serves a large part of the rural Texas Hill Country.