May 9, 2022

IdeaTek partners with White House to bring free internet to low-income Kansans

IdeaTek is driving down the cost of internet for low-income households across its service area to the best monthly rate possible: zero dollars per month.

IdeaTek is partnering with a White House initiative to bring free internet service to those who qualify for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP. This new partnership will help make broadband more affordable for Kansans who need it most, said IdeaTek Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer Daniel Friesen.

Launched amid the pandemic, the current federal ACP program offers qualifying households an up to $30 subsidy for internet services. IdeaTek, however, decided to take it a step further by offering its fiber and wireless internet services for free.

“Being connected is essential,” Friesen said. “Our mission for Internet Freedom™ means we believe everyone should have access to fast, reliable internet and the opportunities it provides — even when the budget is tight.”

“ACP is an important step to help drive broadband adoption across Kansas,” he added. “This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to ensure all Kansas households have internet connectivity.”

The White House announced the partnership with 20 internet service providers from across the country Monday. President Joe Biden noted that IdeaTek was one of the rural providers participating in the program. IdeaTek is the only Kansas-based broadband company participating in the program.

Biden noted the program that could effectively make tens of millions of households eligible for free service through the already existing federal subsidy.

The new free program includes speeds of up to 100 Mbps in both fiber and wireless areas.  In addition, there are no caps on data usage and no throttling during peak hours. Qualifying residents will also receive free installation.

To qualify for ACP, one member of the household must meet one of the following criteria: 

• Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC or Lifeline
• Is approved to receive benefits from the free and reduced-price school lunch program in the 2019-2020, 2020-21 or 2021-2022 school year.
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year

Residents must first apply and be approved for ACP at ACPBenefit.org. Once verified, qualifying households in the IdeaTek service area can sign up for eligible service tiers at no cost. Customers can also choose to apply the ACP benefit to any higher tier internet package and pay no more than $30 a month.

IdeaTek packages include: 

Wireless:

• Plus Tier: 100 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload. Cost to qualifying customers: free.
• Ultra: 150 Mbps download / 25 Mbps upload. Cost to qualifying customers: free.

Fiber:

• Intro: Download 100 Mbps / Upload 100 Mbps. Cost to qualifying customers: free.
• Gigabit: Download 1,000 Mbps / Upload 1,000 Mbps. Max price to qualifying customers: $30/month.

To learn more about IdeaTek’s program and eligibility, visit ideatek.com/essential-access. Or, contact Tara at 888-774-5370 or email essential-access@ideatek.com.

To read the White House fact sheet about the program, click here.

About IdeaTek Telcom
IdeaTek Telcom, LLC, is a Buhler, Kansas-based broadband service provider with the mission of “Fighting for Internet Freedom™.” IdeaTek uses a unique and innovative approach to deploy scalable, long-term fiber optic infrastructures, bridging the broadband gap in rural communities. The company has already successfully built over 3,600 miles of fiber throughout Kansas. IdeaTek has long been at the forefront on broadband equity issues and is committed to enriching the communities in which they operate. They were recently named to Inc. 5000’s list of fastest-growing companies for the eighth time.