1,584 Tablets to be Distributed to USVI Students through Federal Program

The V.I. Dept. of Education has provided an update to families in the U.S. Virgin Islands on the status of tablet distribution as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

This program, developed by the Federal Communications Commission, is designed to assist families in affording necessary internet services for education, work, and health by offering a monthly discount on internet services and a one-time discount for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. The program ceased accepting applications on February 7, 2024.

Under the ACP, 1,584 households across the U.S. Virgin Islands have qualified to receive a tablet and internet service, with distribution divided between 889 recipients in the St. Thomas-St. John District and 695 in the St. Croix District. Heritage Wireless, responsible for supplying the tablets, will also confirm eligibility to all applicants, according to the Dept. of Education.

The tablets, already shipped to the territory by Heritage Wireless, are being organized for distribution by the D.O.E. Families eligible to receive the tablets will be informed of a distribution schedule and will be required to sign a receipt form, which outlines the terms of use and provisions for the tablets. These devices, each fitted with a SIM card for T-Mobile's network, will be owned by the students and do not need to be returned.