Tracy Wirtz, PR/Media Relations Manager for Cox, on the Affordable Connectivity Program
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Tracy Wirtz, PR/Media Relations Manager for Cox, joined Discover Lafayette to talk about Cox’s participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program which can help save on internet bills for eligible consumers.
In November 2021, Congress passed an infrastructure bill creating the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which earmarked $14.2 billion to help low-income consumers connect to high-speed internet. Eligible households with active internet service with Cox will receive up to $30 off their monthly bill for internet service and equipment (or up to $75 if they live in a tribal area).
A household may qualify if they have Cox Connect2Compete Internet or a Lifeline plus Internet phone.
A household may also be eligible if they are enrolled in other eligible government assistance programs, including:
- Free or discounted lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Federal public housing (including Section 8, multifamily units and public housing authorities)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- an advance
- Pell Fellowship recipient for the current academic year
- Tribal programs (and proof of living on tribal lands) including:
o One of the programs listed above
o Indian Affairs General Support Office
o Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
o Food distribution program on Indian reserves
o Tribal Head Start (for those who meet the Head Start income qualification standard) - Medical help
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Retirement and survivor benefits for veterans
- Proof income is 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines (three consecutive pay stubs or a tax return). Note: 200% of the federal poverty guidelines is about $53,000 for a family of four. You can view your maximum household income at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualifiy/federal-poverty-guidelines/
To determine if you are eligible, visit https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/affordable-connectivity-program.html You may be asked to verify your identity using your mobile phone number and date of birth or by uploading your driver’s license, national identity card or passport. You may also be required to provide documentation of your income, unemployment status, or participation in one of the government assistance programs listed above.
Cox also participates in PCs for People where eligible households without computers can receive a one-time $100 discount on refurbished laptops or desktops (while supplies last). Cell phones are not included in this offer as the intention is to help people get a keyboard for work or school and reach their full potential through digital technology.
Tracy joined Cox a year ago after spending more than three decades in broadcast and television, including on KATC TV3 and KLFY TV10. She focuses on community relations, media relations, employee engagement and charitable giving opportunities for Cox.
Tracy Wirtz is well known in our community, having worked in television and radio for over 30 years. She started working for Cox on August 23, 2021, and the following weekend Hurricane Ida hit. As an experienced crisis communication presenter, she understands that people need information. “They ask, what now? Working on the other side, in this space, has been invigorating and eye-opening.
Cox Enterprises is a fourth generation family business established in 1898 by James M. Cox. Through its main divisions, Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, they are leaders in the communications and automotive industries with national brands such as Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Cox Homelife.
