July 2022

The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) passed a resolution requesting that state commissions, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) work collaboratively with other agencies that work with eligible participants for Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program to promote awareness.

Sens Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation to prohibit predatory data caps that force families to pay high costs and unnecessary fees to access high-speed broadband. As Americans’ need for data is increasing, pricing structures for broadband services must encourage participation in the digital economy, promote competition and innovation, and ensure investment in national broadband infrastructure is used to its highest capacity.

On July 21, Vice President Kamala Harris went to North Carolina to discuss the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to achieve universal broadband in the US. "Every person in our nation, no matter how much they earn, should be able to afford a high-speed Internet plan," said Harris. The vice president highlighted the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides working families with up to $30 a month off of their Internet bill or $75 a month for those living on Tribal lands. It also gives families a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, a desktop computer, or a tablet.