Biden’s Effort to Increase Internet Access Faces Hurdle: Getting the Word Out

A $14 billion federal program to increase access to high-speed internet faces an early hurdle: The people who need it most are the hardest to reach because they aren’t online. The roughly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law that President Biden signed last November includes $65 billion to build up the country’s broadband network—a need highlighted by the pandemic that sent many students and workers to their computers. But much of that money could take years to put to use, making the $30 subsidy one of the most immediately deliverable aspects of the law. More than 11 million Americans have signed up for the monthly subsidy, according to the Federal Communications Commission, which administers the subsidies. The aid is available to anyone whose income is 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines or whose household qualifies for a government assistance program such as food assistance or Medicaid. Federal Communications Commission officials acknowledged there has been limited outreach for both the temporary subsidy and the new one, citing “unique circumstances” of the Covid-19 pandemic. They say the agency is exploring new ways to market the program through community institutions such as school districts.