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Assistance Programs

Empowering Connectivity, Supporting Our Community

At Watch Communications, we’re committed to ensuring everyone in our communities has access to reliable, high-speed internet. Recognizing the financial barriers some may face, we participate in both federal and private assistance programs, helping make internet access more affordable. If you’re facing difficulties with your current bill, or if the cost of devices seems prohibitive, we’re here to help with flexible solutions designed around your needs.
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Available Assistance Programs

Emergency Broadband

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Lifeline Assistance

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The Affordable Connectivity Program

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PCs for People: Affordable Technology

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As part of the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible customers can acquire:

  • A refurbished desktop for $20
  • A refurbished laptop for $49 (plus tax)
Devices come with the Windows 10 operating system, Microsoft Office, and a one-year warranty. Availability is limited to one device per household. To explore your eligibility and order a computer through PCs for People, please reach out to Watch Communications Customer Service at 855-429-1258.

PCS FOR PEOPLE HOTLINE
(651) 800-9097
Monday–Friday, 10:00am –8:00pm EST
Saturday, Noon –3:00pm EST
Email digitalskills@pcsforpeople.org

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $30 per eligible household. This will be applied directly to customers’ internet bill.

Beginning Dec. 31, 2021, eligible customers may apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program here.

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if one member of the household:

  • Qualifies for the Lifeline program;
  • Participates in certain government assistance programs;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • If your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

You may need to show a card, letter, or official document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for the ACP. You can find the full list of eligible government assistance programs here.

Yes, the benefit is available to eligible new, prior and existing customers of participating providers.
Yes! The $30 per month discount provided through the Affordable Connectivity Program can be applied to all of Watch’s residential Internet plans. This is a great time to upgrade if you or your family needs more bandwidth or wants to increase your connection speed.

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Beyond Access: Building Skills for the Future

Closing the digital divide involves more than providing internet and computers; it’s also about empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world confidently. Our collaboration with PCs for People and Microsoft’s Airband Initiative opens doors to digital literacy and advanced learning opportunities, tailored to your career goals and everyday needs.

Whether you’re starting with the basics or ready to advance your digital skills, our resources and free courses through Microsoft and LinkedIn are here to guide you every step of the way.

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    Lima, OH 45805
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Emergency Broadband

The federal government created the Emergency Broadband Benefit to help households who meet certain criteria better afford high-speed broadband Internet. Watch Communications is proud to participate in this temporary program. For our customers, this temporary program is simple: if you meet the eligibility listed below, you will see a discounted price for your Internet package on your monthly bill.

You do not have to apply for reimbursement either from Watch or the government, but you do have to register for the program and call Watch Communications Customer Service to provide us with your proof of eligibility. After completing your application, you will receive a Customer ID number that you will need to give us so that we can apply the discount to your account.
Learn more about the Emergency Broadband Benefit and how to apply here.

Lifeline Assistance

The Lifeline Program is a federal initiative aimed at helping low-income families reduce their monthly communications costs. Eligible customers can enjoy a discount on their phone or internet bills, making it easier to stay connected.

With Lifeline, you can save:

  • $5.25/month for phone services
  • $9.25/month for internet services
Lifeline benefits are available for either phone or internet services, not both simultaneously. Currently, our Lifeline assistance is offered in specific Connect America II Fund areas across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. To discover if you’re in an eligible location and to learn more about the program, please contact us at 1-800-589-3837.

The Affordable Connectivity Program

In response to the enduring need for internet affordability, Congress established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2021. This program aims to assist low-income households in maintaining broadband internet service at a reduced cost.

Qualifying households may receive:

  • Up to $30 off their monthly internet bill

This discount can be applied to any of Watch Communications’ internet plans. The eligibility criteria for this new program no longer includes a substantial financial loss. Households must participate in certain government assistance programs. Learn more about the eligibility criteria here.

The FCC has created a dedicated Consumer Complaint Center for this program. Phone: 888-225-5322. Video phone: 844-432-2275. Online: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us

PCs for People: Affordable Technology

PCs for People is a nonprofit organization that refurbishes desktop and laptop computers and distributes them to eligible recipients at a discounted price.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

To receive technology from PCs for People, a potential recipient must be below the 200% poverty level or be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program. You can read more about eligibility and about the documentation required by clicking here.

Nonprofit organizations may be eligible for discounted devices. Learn more about that here.