Digital Equity Navigator

Free Internet

Jefferson County Library and Port Townsend Public Library provide free wireless Internet services during regular library hours and 24/7 in their parking lots. Free Public WiFi.

Mobile wireless hotspots (MiFis) are available for checkout, free with your library card. These portable devices provide Internet service anywhere they receive a signal. Reserve a MiFi.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The ACP Is No Longer Accepting Applications

The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 8th. Barring additional funding from Congress, April is expected to be the last month enrolled households will receive the full benefit. Consumers had to be approved and enrolled with a service provider by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 7th to receive the ACP benefit.

During the ACP wind-down period, ACP households will receive notices from their internet
company about the impact of the end of the benefit on how the household’s bill and service.

The notices will tell households:
(1) that the ACP is ending,
(2) the impact on their bill,
(3) the date of the last bill they will receive that includes the ACP benefit, and
(4) that they may change their service or opt-out of continuing service after the end of
the ACP

• ACP households may also switch their internet plans without penalty.

ACP households should:

• Consistently check their emails for more information and further updates regarding the ACP
  benefit. Also, visit http://www.AffordableConnectivity.gov and www.fcc.gov/acp.
• Contact their internet company for questions about how the end of the ACP will affect their
  monthly bill and to ask about available options.
• Visit www.fcc.gov/acp to access answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and other
  guidance about the ACP wind-down process, including what households need to know about
  retaining internet service after the end of the ACP.
• Contact USAC directly for any other questions about the ACP wind-down. Households can call
  the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 for information about their benefit.

For wind-down information from the Federal Communications Commission, please see: https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/ACP_Wind-down_Fact_Sheet_Final.

For assistance and questions please contact Jamie at jpena@jclibrary.info, 360-301-5815.

Lifeline

Lifeline is the Federal Communications Commission’s program to make communications services accessible to low-income consumers in Washington State. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet access service, or voice-broadband bundled service purchased from participating providers.

For a list of active Washington state Lifeline service providers please see:

https://www.hca.wa.gov/about-hca/programs-and-initiatives/apple-health-medicaid/lifeline-phone-services

Jefferson County Broadband Action Team (JBAT)

JBAT– Stay up-to-date on the most recent broadband developments in Jefferson County. A great resource to learn about broadband, local projects, financial assistance, and more.

Northstar Digital Literacy defines the basic skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online. Self-guided online, self-guided modules assess the ability of individuals to perform tasks based on skills in three main areas:

• Essential Computer Skills – Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, Windows OS, Mac OS
• Essential Software Skills – Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs
• Using Technology in Daily Life – Social Media, Information Literacy, Career Search Skills, Supporting K-12 Distance Learning, Your Digital Footprint.

Assessments take approximately 15 minutes. Self-directed online learning modules take approximately 90 minutes and require registration. For assistance contact Jamie Pena at jpena@jclibrary.info, 360-301-5815.

Digitallearn.org has the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed, whether you are new to computers, haven’t used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher.

LinkedIn Learning offers thousands of online courses including digital literacy. Free with your library card. Suggested search terms for digital literacy include computer literacy, digital literacy, Windows, and iPhone.

GCFLearnFree offers more than 200 topics, including more than 2,000 lessons, more than 1,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games in English, Spanish, and Portuguese; free to all. Select from the options below for beginning tutorials from GCFLearnFree to get started.

JCLD’s One-on-One Tech Help
Book a 30-minute appointment with a librarian to get help with any of the following: getting started with video conferencing software (such as Zoom or Skype), accessing online library materials (such as e-books, audiobooks, streaming video, or research tools), or Microsoft Office or other software taught in our classes.

TechConnect Washington Community Helpdesk
Free technical assistance to all Washington residents. They also provide assistance with Affordable Connectivity Program applications. Available in multiple languages via email, telephone, and chat. 1-800-216-1132 between the hours of 8:00 am – 8:00 pm.

Washington State Library Digital Inclusion Resources – an extensive resource for affordable Internet, technical support, and digital skills. Highlights include:

• Microsoft Imagine Academy Online Learning – Washington state residents have free access to online learning resources for Microsoft Office applications, computer science, data science, IT infrastructure, and developer. 
• Grow with Google – Through free tools and training, Grow with Google is designed to help people get the right skills to find jobs they want, advance their careers and grow their businesses.
• Cisco Networking Academy – provides access to online courses ranging from basic computing to programming and cybersecurity. Earn digital badges and prepare for certification exams; some courses may be eligible for reduced-cost college credit. English; free to all.