MONCKS CORNER, SC September 18, 2024 — Home Telecom has been awarded a Digital Inclusion award for Affordability by BroadbandNow, a tool that helps consumers research and compare telecommunications services around the country. 

In its inaugural year, the Digital Inclusion Awards celebrate Internet Service Providers like Home Telecom that have invested in affordable, reliable, and high-quality internet access to underserved and unserved residents within their communities. 

Home Telecom stood out from over 2,000 ISPs nationwide for its long-standing commitment to bridging the digital divide through their Community Connect Program. Initiated in 2011, Community Connect showcases the critical need for affordable internet access across diverse demographics, including but not limited to, families with school-aged children and elderly citizens receiving Social Security Insurance.

"Home Telecom’s unwavering dedication to bridging the digital divide through its Community Connect Program highlights a vital commitment to affordable and accessible internet,” said Tyler Cooper, editor-in-chief at BroadbandNow. “With this award, we’re proud to recognize the company’s efforts in bringing robust, affordable connectivity to the communities that need it most." 

Home Telecom’s Community Connect Program offers 100 Mbps internet for just $34.95 per month, which includes free Whole-Home Wi-Fi service – MyWiFi Xtreme. This managed Wi-Fi service comes with an app that allows for the prioritization of devices used for essential services like telemedicine and remote working, addressing key concerns in modern digital households. 

In addition to digital inclusion efforts, Home Telecom has also made great strides in digital accessibility to their community members. These efforts were expedited due to generous grant funding by the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff and the Rural Development branch of the United States Department of Agriculture. To date, Home Telecom has been awarded eight grants totaling almost $33 million dollars and have invested more than $27.3 million dollars alongside these grants to provide fiber to areas that have little to no internet access in our rural communities.

“Making fiber available to the rural communities we border and serve has always been one of our goals,” said William S. Helmly, Home Telecom CEO. “Gaining access to grant funding helps expedite this entire process. We are honored that our efforts are being noted by BroadbandNow and will continue to work toward greater accessibility, inclusion, and affordability.”

Furthermore, Home Telecom’s participation in the FCC’s Lifeline assistance program provides an additional avenue for reducing costs, making their services even more accessible to households needing a little additional aid. 

This award recognizes providers that are taking a proactive stance on deploying affordable, widely available internet service to community members in their markets, both large and small.

The comprehensive approach to affordability and accessibility that Home Telecom has taken highlights their dedication to ensuring that all members of their community can benefit from reliable, high-speed internet access.

As the cost of living rises nationwide and internet access becomes increasingly essential, having an affordable and reliable broadband connection is more crucial than ever. 

For media use only: For more information regarding this Digital Inclusion Affordability award, contact [email protected].