While there is no doubt the financial makes in the United States are gaining momentum, once again (as opposed to back in January, when the equity markets declined as much as nine percent), and the overall unemployment remains relatively low, the American middle class is still feeling the squeeze.
Today, the term “disposable income” is totally unheard of, and many families have had to cut out all extra expenses, which often includes their broadband and internet connectivity subscriptions.
In an effort to make these services available to all middle-class families, AT&T recently announced a new program called “Access from AT&T” which provides ultra-low-cost subscription plans.
This program will be made available to people, who also participate in the U.S. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), in a 21 state region. The pricing structure is as follows:
- 10 Mbps for $10 per month
- 5 Mbps for $10 per month
- 3 Mbps for $5 per month
In addition to this, AT&T is also offering to its customers its Wi-Fi modem technology, and free Hot Spot services at cafes and restaurants all over. According to Cheryl Choy, Vice President of Wired Voice and Broadband Products at AT&T, “We’re making it easier for more people to connect to friends, family, their communities, and the possibilities of the Internet . . . access from AT&T is an affordable Internet option available to millions of Americans with limited budgets.”
However, despite the fact that this program is very appealing, it does have its “catches,” as well. For example, there is a cap on the level of Internet usage, which ranges from 150Gb to 250Gb, and if this quota is exceeded, there will be an extra $10 charge for every 50Gb overage.
Other broadband carriers jumping onto this low-cost bandwagon, including Comcast and Google Fiber.
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