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

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