Biden plan to increase internet access
Twenty internet providers, including AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, have agreed to provide high-speed service at a steep discount to low-income consumers, the White House announced Monday, significantly expanding broadband access for millions of Americans.
The plan, a feature of the $1 trillion infrastructure package passed by Congress last year, would cost qualifying households no more than $30 per month. The discounts plus existing federal internet subsidies mean the government will cover the full cost of connectivity if consumers sign on with one of the 20 participating companies. The White House estimates the program will cover 48 million households, or 40% of the country.
More than 11.5 million households have already signed up to claim government subsidies.
The 100 megabit-per-second service is fast enough for a family to work from home, complete schoolwork, browse the internet and stream high-definition movies and TV shows, the White House said.
“High-speed internet is not a luxury any longer. It’s a necessity,” President Joe Biden said in remarks announcing the program at the White House Rose Garden.
“This is a case where big business stepped up. We’re trying to get others to do the same thing,” the president said. “It’s going to change people’s lives.”
Households can qualify for the subsidies, called the Affordable Connectivity Program, if their income is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, a member of the household participates in certain federal anti-poverty initiatives — including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, federal housing assistance, Pell Grant tuition assistance, or free or reduced-price school meals — or if the household already qualifies for an internet provider’s low-income service program.
Consumers can check whether they qualify for discounted service at getinternet.gov, or by calling 877-3842575.
Advocates were cautiously optimistic.
“It might be a gamechanger,” said Marty Newell, coordinator for Rural Broadband Policy at the Center for Rural Strategies in Whitesburg, Ky., where he said slow internet has plagued residents and businesses alike.
Mr. Newell said he wanted to see more about what the program will mean going forward, but that his main question is — given that increased broadband access has been a bipartisan issue in Congress — “What took them so long?”
Mr. Biden, during his 2020 campaign and in negotiations for the bipartisan infrastructure bill, has made internet access a high priority, especially for rural America and low-income consumers.