Internet providers to reduce fees for the poor, White House says

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

The 20 internet companies have signed an agreement with the Biden administration to offer more affordable access to low-income Americans, a program that could mean free internet access for tens of millions of households through an already existing federal subsidy.

Last year Congress passed $1 trillion in infrastructure funding, including $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides subsidies for low-income households for internet service of $30 per month ($75 per month in tribal areas).

20 internet companies that have agreed to lower their rates for eligible consumers provide service in areas where 80% of the U.S. population, including 50% of the rural population, live, according to the White House. Participating companies that offer service on tribal lands are providing $75 rates in those areas, the equivalent of the federal government subsidy in those areas.

Biden made expanding access to high-speed internet in rural and low-income areas a priority during his White House campaign and the fight for the infrastructure bill. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, he has repeatedly talked about the difficulties low-income families faced in finding reliable Wi-Fi to enable their children to participate in remote schooling and complete homework.

9 May 2022