The White House is urging Congress to extend a subsidy program that helps millions of American families afford internet access. This initiative plays a crucial role in President Joe Biden's commitment to providing reliable broadband service to every household in the country.
Tom Perez, senior adviser and assistant to the president, emphasized the importance of internet access, comparing it to a basic necessity like water. He believes that affordable and accessible internet should be available to everyone.
The program in question, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), offers discounts on internet bills to qualifying families. Most families receive a $30 monthly discount, while those residing in tribal lands can receive up to $75 per month. Initially funded with $14.2 billion through the bipartisan infrastructure law, the program is projected to run out of funds by the end of April.
Perez drew a parallel between internet access and water, stating that just as we wouldn't cut off water during challenging times, access to high-speed internet is equally vital for opportunities and healthcare access.
The ACP has garnered widespread support from public interest groups, broadband officials at the local and state levels, as well as telecommunications providers, both large and small. Companies like Paul Bunyan Communications, a Minnesota-based internet provider, have actively assisted their members in utilizing the program. For them, it boils down to a matter of having internet or not, rather than looking at it as simply a subsidy.
Approximately an equal number of households in Republican and Democratic congressional districts benefit from the program, reflecting its bipartisan nature. President Biden has compared his commitment to providing affordable internet to the New Deal-era efforts to electrify rural America. Last month, he visited North Carolina to highlight the potential benefits of the ACP, particularly in regions where reliable and affordable internet access is currently lacking.
Beyond the immediate impact on enrolled families, the expiration of the ACP could have far-reaching consequences on the effectiveness of other federal broadband investments. It could also erode trust between consumers and their internet service providers. Given these grave implications, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed a bill to sustain the ACP until the end of 2024 with an additional $7 billion in funding. This figure exceeds the amount requested by President Biden. However, no voting schedule has been established to advance the bill, leaving the program's fate uncertain in a divided Congress.
The expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program would not only threaten the internet access of millions of American families but could also hinder the progress made in bridging the digital divide. The Biden administration is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring affordable and reliable internet for all Americans, and the fate of the ACP will play a significant role in achieving this goal.
