The Phoenix City Council recently approved using federal funds to expand a program to serve public and affordable housing residents. Nearly 3,500 households will be added, bringing the total to almost 5,000.

Phoenix will use $3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide access to reliable internet service for three years.

“In today’s world, access to the internet is not a ‘nice to have,' it’s a necessity,” said Mayor Kate Gallego.

A separate federal program designed to connect more households to high-speed internet provides a monthly discount off the cost of internet services.

To qualify, household incomes must be no more than 200% of federal poverty guidelines. For example, a four-person household with an annual income of $60,000.