Amplify: The Affordable Connectivity Program Expires Due to Republican Inaction
Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet is a cornerstone of the American economy and essential for economic growth. The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program invests over $40 billion in building out high-speed internet access in all U.S. states and territories. Still, nearly a quarter of all homes lack access to high-speed internet due to the cost and insufficient infrastructure. This disproportionately impacts low-income, rural, Native, and communities of color.
President Biden has pledged to connect every household in America by 2030, deploying over $80 billion in federal funding to expand access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet across the country. Key to this commitment is the President’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which provides qualified households with $30-$75 discounts on their monthly internet bills. However, because Republican leaders in Congress have thus far refused to extend the program, the benefits for those enrolled ended on May 31st. Without this aid, many households will no longer be able to afford high-speed internet. The Biden Administration is calling on Congress to extend the ACP program through 2024.
Why This Matters:
The ACP is the largest and most successful internet affordability program in our nation’s history, with over 23 million households enrolled—one in every six households.
Half of the families enrolled in the ACP are military families, one quarter are Black, and one- quarter are Latino. In addition, the program serves 4 million seniors.
Internet access is essential to the creation and running of small businesses. This is especially important now since the first three years of the Biden-Harris Administration have seen record-breaking growth in applications to start new businesses.
Access to the Internet for virtual medical visits can improve health and patient outcomes.
Surveys show that students in rural districts with internet access had higher grades and test scores than those who lacked such access.
Studies also show that access to the Internet benefits employment, productivity, economic growth and resilience.
Read more about the Affordable Connectivity Program: Affordable High-Speed Internet is Spurring Economic Growth and Boosting Small Businesses
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