The Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal initiative that has been a digital lifeline for approximately 23 million American households, is nearing its end.The program, a benefit introduced during the 2021 pandemic era, has exhausted its funds. This has raised concerns among digital advocates about the potential widening of the nation’s digital divide.”The path we’re on right now is we’re gonna be returning to a place where kids are doing their homework in parking lots, folks can’t access their telehealth,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has indicated that enrollees may receive a reduced benefit in May. By June, unless Congress intervenes, there will be no benefits at all. The White House announced on Monday that it will continue to urge Congress for a renewal of the program. In the meantime, it is encouraging service providers to offer assistance.”We announced earlier this month that we are encouraging providers to take steps to keep their consumers connected at this crucial time by offering low-cost, no costs plans,” said Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary.Siefer advises users of the Affordable Connectivity Program to consult with their internet service providers about these lower-cost options. “If an individual or household had utilized one of those low-cost offers prior to the pandemic, they should definitely check and see what that low-cost offer is now. It may not be exactly the same as it was,” Siefer said.The National Digital Inclusion Alliance also suggests exploring the FCC’s Lifeline Program. This program offers discounts on phone and broadband services from participating providers.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal initiative that has been a digital lifeline for approximately 23 million American households, is nearing its end.
The program, a benefit introduced during the 2021 pandemic era, has exhausted its funds. This has raised concerns among digital advocates about the potential widening of the nation’s digital divide.
“The path we’re on right now is we’re gonna be returning to a place where kids are doing their homework in parking lots, folks can’t access their telehealth,” said Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has indicated that enrollees may receive a reduced benefit in May.
By June, unless Congress intervenes, there will be no benefits at all.
The White House announced on Monday that it will continue to urge Congress for a renewal of the program.
In the meantime, it is encouraging service providers to offer assistance.
“We announced earlier this month that we are encouraging providers to take steps to keep their consumers connected at this crucial time by offering low-cost, no costs plans,” said Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary.
Siefer advises users of the Affordable Connectivity Program to consult with their internet service providers about these lower-cost options.
“If an individual or household had utilized one of those low-cost offers prior to the pandemic, they should definitely check and see what that low-cost offer is now. It may not be exactly the same as it was,” Siefer said.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance also suggests exploring the FCC’s Lifeline Program.
This program offers discounts on phone and broadband services from participating providers.
