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... We have a program that was launched during Covid called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). It provides a $30 subsidy to those who qualify (it has somewhat more generous qualifications than the standard aid program, but it is still low-income/means tested) for any type of broadband connection -- mobile or wired (one per household). All major ISPs and most small ones participate in the program, and have a good quality broadband package available for those who qualify for the $30 subsidy. This has allowed 18 million people (including lots of homeless families) to connect to broadband and thus participate in the economic and educational benefits now that so many things have moved online (e.g., you can't apply for a lot of basic jobs now without broadband access, as applications have moved online and they will contact you by email). Since this was a Covid program, it ends when it runs out of money -- which is estimated to happen in April. Unless there is a "plus up" in funding. The Biden Administration has asked for $6 billion to extend the program for another year. ...
The author is SVP at Public Knowledge
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