Biden administration to end enrollment in affordable internet program due to funding shortage
The Biden administration will stop accepting new enrollments for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides broadband discounts to millions of Americans, as the program's funding runs low. The program, which offers discounts of up to $30 per month on internet service for eligible low-income households and up to $75 per month for eligible households on tribal lands, will no longer accept new enrollments starting Wednesday. The administration has called on Congress to provide an additional $6 billion to extend the program through the end of the year.
Biden administration halts enrollment in affordable internet program
The Biden administration has announced that it will end enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides broadband discounts to millions of Americans, due to a shortage of funds. The program, which offers discounts of up to $30 per month on internet service for eligible low-income households and up to $75 per month for eligible households on tribal lands, will stop accepting new enrollments at the end of Wednesday.
The decision to halt enrollment comes as the remaining funding for the program is expected to run out in May. The Biden administration has repeatedly called on Congress to provide an additional $6 billion to extend the program through the end of the year, emphasizing that internet access is an essential public necessity that should be affordable and accessible to everyone.
Program provides assistance to millions of households nationwide
The Affordable Connectivity Program currently provides assistance to around 23 million households across the country. Eligible low-income households can receive discounts of up to $30 per month on their internet service, while eligible households on tribal lands can receive discounts of up to $75 per month.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which runs the program, has warned lawmakers that without additional funding, the progress made in closing the digital divide through the Affordable Connectivity Program could be lost. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated that the program has come too far to turn back and urged Congress to take action.
Importance of affordable and accessible internet
The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible internet, comparing it to water as an essential public necessity. In a press briefing, Tom Perez, a senior adviser to the president and director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, stated that high-speed internet is the pipeline to opportunity and access to healthcare for many people across the country. He urged lawmakers not to turn off the internet, as it is crucial for providing equal opportunities and improving access to vital services.
The Affordable Connectivity Program plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that low-income households have access to affordable internet service. Ending enrollment in the program highlights the urgent need for additional funding to sustain and expand such initiatives and ensure that internet access remains affordable and accessible to all Americans.
