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Access to the internet is vital for success in today’s world, regardless of who you are or where you live. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this reality as many aspects of our lives moved online, demonstrating that broadband has become essential for work, education, healthcare, and more. However, a significant number of people struggle to connect due to the high cost of internet services.

In Dallas County, although high-speed internet is available to 95.9% of residential units, approximately 9.3% of households do not have any broadband subscription. To address the digital divide not only in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but also nationwide, we must focus on closing the gap in broadband affordability.

Thankfully, Congress has taken action to address this issue. In May 2020, a bill was introduced to establish the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, aimed at helping people afford internet access during the pandemic. Seven months later, Congress allocated .2 billion for this program, and the Federal Communications Commission quickly implemented it. In November 2021, an additional .2 billion was provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the Affordable Connectivity Program was launched.

As a result of these efforts, eligible households can now receive discounts of up to per month for broadband service, and up to per month if they reside on qualifying tribal lands. In addition, eligible households can receive up to 0 to offset the cost of purchasing a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. Over 20 million households across the United States, including over 100,000 households in Dallas, have already enrolled in this program, making it the largest broadband affordability initiative in our nation’s history.

One important lesson learned from this program is the importance of trusted voices in outreach and enrollment. Collaborating with local leaders has proven effective in spreading awareness and connecting individuals who have been left behind without access to high-speed internet.

However, it is crucial that we secure long-term funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Without congressional action, the program’s funding is set to expire next year, potentially leaving millions of people without the broadband service they now rely on. Fortunately, there is bipartisan support for extending the program, with Republican senators calling for sustainable funding and bipartisan lawmakers in the House urging additional financial support.

Closing the broadband affordability gap is essential for ensuring equal opportunities in our increasingly digital world. By addressing this issue and securing stable funding, we can work towards a future where every individual has access to affordable, high-speed internet.

The post The Importance of Closing the Broadband Affordability Gap appeared first on satProviders.