Low-income
A Year One Update on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Making Broadband More Affordable
U.S. households pay a lot for broadband internet access service, more than consumers in the European Union pay for similar service. U.S.
It’s No Time to Disarm in the War Against the Digital Divide
The pandemic spurred policymakers and community leaders around the country to create programs to connect those without home broadband service or computers. These programs have had an impact. New government data show sharp increases in broadband and computer adoption in the 2019-to-2021 time frame. Initiatives such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) have helped address “subscription vulnerability” for low-income households. With progress evident, it is time to extend and build on the ACP and local affordability programs.
FCC Creates ACP Transparency Data Collection
The Affordable Connectivity Program (or ACP) Transparency Data Collection will collect information related to the price, subscription rates, and plan1 characteristics of the internet service offerings of Affordable Connectivity Program participating providers as required by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The collection will offer the Federal Communications Commission an opportunity to collect detailed data about the services to which households in the Affordable Connectivity Program chose to apply the affordable connectivity benefit.
FCC Announces Pilot Program Funding Opportunity To Raise Nationwide Awareness Of Affordable Connectivity Program
The Federal Communications Commission announced details for two pilot program opportunities to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) nationwide. The pilot program outreach grants seek to enlist trusted community messengers to develop innovative outreach strategies to reach historically unserved and underserved communities, including those serving recipients of federal housing assistance and communities interested in launching digital navigator programs.
Investing in Wave 7 — a community-focused broadband provider expanding high-speed internet in rural North Carolina
Connect Humanity has closed its first investment, in Wave 7 Communications, which will enable hundreds of unconnected people to gain access to the internet for the first time.
Cable company’s accidental email to rival discusses plan to block competition
On October 17, 2022, Jonathan Chambers received an email that wasn't meant for him.
House Passes Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022
By a vote of 381-39, the House passed the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022 (H.R. 4275). Introduced by Reps.
Defeating the Digital Divide: How Chicago Can Achieve True Digital Equity
Our recommendations for addressing the three prongs of digital inequity – connectivity, device ownership, and access to training – will require a community-led “all hands on deck” approach. Each recommendation will require commitment from the public sector – including the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois, and/or the federal government – as well as our city’s private sector and broader civic community. Community anchor institutions – both government institutions like CPS and Chicago Public Library (CPL) – as well as community-based nonprofits, will play a critical role.
A Year One Update on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Investing in Broadband Adoption
In the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Congress recognizes that just extending the reach of broadband networks isn't enough; there is work to be done on broadband adoption as well.