Stories

President Biden announced the narrowing of America’s digital divide on May 9, 2022 at the White House and applauded broadband providers for their internet adoption efforts, including offering plans that enable low-income families to subscribe to 100 Mbps internet service for free when taking advantage of a $30 federal subsidy. With the recent implementation of the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), broadband providers including Comcast, Charter, Cox and Mediacom introduced new internet plans throughout their service areas, allowing qualifying ACP households to obtain robust internet service for free after redemption of their ACP benefit. Interested families can find out if they qualify for the ACP benefit from the new federal government website GetInternet.gov.

In November 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a sweeping $1.2 trillion-dollar bill that includes a significant investment in broadband. A quick bipartisan infrastructure bill analysis shows $42.5 billion going to states to finance internet access, $14.2 billion to provide discounts on internet service and the purchase of a connected device through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and a further $2.75 billion to tackle the digital divide through initiatives such as Wi-Fi hotspots and digital literacy programs for seniors. Passage of the bill was a significant achievement, but there is still another hurdle to overcome: implementation. After allotting such a significant chunk of money to this effort, how do we ensure the funds are used effectively? We have ideas.

A broadband connection, in short, is the bridge from the present to the future. Despite the urgent necessity of internet access, there are still pockets of America that don’t have broadband connectivity. Let’s take a closer look at the industry’s efforts to improve broadband access for all Americans, and how government programs are helping bridge the digital divide.

After months of hearing about a new infrastructure bill rumbling its way through Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed a bipartisan infrastructure package on September 30. The $1.5 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, designed to refurbish the nation's roads, railways, public transit, power grids, and water systems, will also include $65 billion for broadband, aimed at connecting the unserved parts of America and support for low-income families.

From a tech and entertainment standpoint, there’s plenty to be excited for in 2022. From expanded broadband access, widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 6, and production of cutting-edge content taking place across the country, our future is both fast and entertaining!

Every day, through our computers and mobile phones, our televisions and smart devices, broadband keeps us connected, working, and entertained. During the COVID-19 crisis, it has been a lifeline, allowing schools to operate, families to keep in touch, businesses to keep selling, and the public to stay informed. It seems virtually impossible to imagine how we would have weathered the pandemic without it. But behind the obvious benefits brought to us by blazing fast internet, broadband provides other fundamental gains – ones that are no less important for being less visible. Thanks to the recently released Investing in America report, let’s take a look at three of broadband’s hidden advantages.

While the COVID pandemic disrupted every facet of our lives, few areas were as affected as education. After the onset of the pandemic, over a hundred thousand schools across the United States were forced to close their doors long term, leaving some 55 million teachers and students scrambling to keep vital lines of communication open. This unprecedented situation threatened to wreak havoc on our education system and cause harm to students who didn’t have an internet connection at home.

Broadband service is a lifeline for social entrepreneur Shel Horowitz, enabling his remote business, opening up cultural and educational opportunities, and connecting him to far-flung family and friends – things that have become even more crucial during the pandemic. We talked with Horowitz to discuss his experience and he outlined four important ways that broadband has empowered different aspects of his life.