The White House has urged Congress to extend an internet subsidy program used by 23 million American households before its funding expires. Last October, the White House requested $6 billion to extend the program through December 2024, but Congress has not yet funded it. April marks the final month for participants to receive the full subsidy, with partial subsidies in May. The White House plans to renew its push in April to convince Congress to extend the program just weeks before it runs out of money, potentially putting millions of households at risk of losing their internet service. Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated that April is the last month participants will receive the full subsidy.
Congress previously allocated $17 billion to help lower-income families and those impacted by COVID-19 gain broadband access through a $30 per month voucher to use toward internet service. Despite this effort, no additional funding has yet been appropriated. The FCC froze enrollment on Feb. 8 for new users, raising concerns about the future of the program. The White House states that the plan, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program, helps users save over $500 million per month on their internet bills. Major internet providers such as Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T have all called for Congress to extend the program. Bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Peter Welch, JD Vance, Jacky Rosen, and Kevin Cramer would provide $7 billion for the program. A bill to fund the program for one year has been introduced in the House and is backed by 216 members.
The urgency to continue the program is highlighted by the potential impact on households nationwide, as more than three-quarters of households in the program would experience service disruption or have to change their existing plan or stop service altogether if the program ends. The Department of Commerce announced $930 million in grants towards President Biden’s internet expansion project, further underscoring the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring access to affordable internet for all Americans. Despite the success of the program in promoting internet access for all, there is a critical need to secure additional funding to prevent households from losing essential internet access. The White House’s efforts to advocate for the program’s extension reflect the administration’s commitment to supporting internet access for millions of households across the country.
The current program has been instrumental in providing internet access for millions of households, and its continued success is crucial in bridging the digital divide. The White House’s request for $6 billion to extend the program through December 2024 demonstrates the importance of ensuring ongoing access to affordable internet for Americans across the country. With the subsidy program set to expire soon, there is a pressing need for Congress to take immediate action and provide funding to extend the program. The Affordable Connectivity Program has been effective in helping users save significant amounts on their internet bills, making it a valuable resource for millions of Americans who rely on affordable internet access for work, education, and communication.
The growing support for the program from major internet providers and bipartisan legislators underscores the widespread recognition of the program’s importance in promoting internet access for underserved communities. The potential consequences of not extending the program, including service disruptions for millions of households, highlight the urgency of securing additional funding. The government’s commitment to expanding broadband access through initiatives such as President Biden’s internet expansion project further reinforces the importance of maintaining and expanding programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program. In the coming weeks, efforts to convince Congress to extend the program are expected to intensify as the deadline for full subsidies approaches, underscoring the critical need to ensure ongoing access to affordable internet for all Americans.
The current status of the program and the imminent expiration of funding underscore the need for immediate action by Congress to secure funding and extend the program. The potential impact on millions of households nationwide highlights the importance of maintaining affordable internet access for all Americans, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the FCC freezing enrollment for new users in February, the urgency to ensure ongoing support for the program is clear. The push to renew efforts to extend the program in April reflects the White House’s commitment to promoting internet access for all Americans and preventing the loss of essential internet services for vulnerable populations. In the face of looming deadlines and the risk of service disruptions, the need for Congress to act swiftly and provide funding for the program is paramount.
