Program Helps Residents Get Free Mobile Smartphones

New program begins May 30 to help low-income residents qualify for free mobile smartphones

PALM SPRINGS — Beginning today through June 29, residents in four low-income apartment communities will have the opportunity to qualify for free mobile smartphones thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program and a new partnership between the City of Palm Springs and Outreach Program Services of America.

The qualification process will take place at the following locations:

• Thursday, May 30, 9 am – 4 pm, Tahquitz Court Apartments
• Thursday & Friday June 13-14, 9 am – 4 pm, Coyote Run I & II Apartments, 360 N. Sunrise Way
• Thursday & Friday, June 20-21, 9 am – 4 pm, La Ventana Apartments, 300 S. Calle El Segundo Way.
• Thursday & Friday, June 27 & 28, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm, Palm Springs Pointe Apartments, 3200 E. Baristo Road.

This program is open to only the residents of the communities listed above. More dates may be added at different locations throughout the summer. For more information, visit palmspringsca.gov.

The Affordable Connectivity Program, according to its website, is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.