The White House is urging Congress to extend an internet subsidy program before its funding expires, which is used by 23 million American households. The White House had 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. Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel warned that without funding, millions of households could risk losing their internet service. Congress had previously allocated $17 billion to provide lower-income families and those impacted by COVID-19 with a $30 per month voucher to use towards internet service.
The Department of Commerce announced $930 million in grants for Biden’s internet expansion project. The White House has vowed to renew its push in April to convince Congress to extend the internet subsidy program, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program, used by 23 million households. The program helps users save over $500 million per month on their internet bills. 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. Additionally, a bill to fund the program for one year has been introduced in the House and is backed by 216 members.
Despite the urgent need to continue the program to ensure millions of households do not lose essential internet access, no additional funding has yet been appropriated. The FCC froze enrollment for new users on Feb. 8, citing concerns that if the program ends, more than three-quarters of the households in the program would experience service disruptions or have to change their existing plan or stop service altogether. The White House is concerned about the potential impact on internet access for low-income families and those impacted by COVID-19 if the program is not extended by Congress.
The Affordable Connectivity Program has been successful in promoting internet access for all, but without additional funding, millions of households could lose their internet service. The White House is hoping to convince Congress to extend the program, which has been utilized by 23 million American households. Lawmakers are considering bipartisan legislation that would provide $7 billion for the program, as well as a bill in the House to fund the program for one year. The FCC has warned of potential service disruptions for households if the program ends, emphasizing the importance of continued funding to ensure internet access for those in need.
The White House has called on Congress to extend an internet subsidy program that has been used by 23 million American households before its funding expires. Despite the success of the Affordable Connectivity Program in providing internet access to low-income families and those impacted by COVID-19, there has been no additional funding appropriated for the program. The FCC has warned that without an extension, millions of households could lose their internet service, highlighting the urgent need for continued funding. Lawmakers are considering various measures to support the program, including bipartisan legislation and a bill in the House to fund the program for one year. Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T have all voiced support for extending the program to ensure that households have access to essential internet services.
