Broadband Affordability: Removing a Roadblock to Universal Service

The internet plays an essential, everyday role in the lives of Americans. Internet access—both fixed and mobile—is a critical resource that allows individuals and families to participate in work and education opportunities, receive telehealth services, access public benefits and services, communicate with loved ones, and more.  Yet affordability remains one of the primary barriers to reliable broadband access. Over 28 million households in the United States do not have access to high-speed broadband, and for 18 million of these households—more than 47 million people—the inability to afford broadband is what keeps them unconnected despite having broadband infrastructure available to them. U.S. universal service programs are at a pivotal moment. Informed by existing and previous federal affordability programs, thoughtful action from policymakers can help close the digital divide and provide millions of Americans with an affordable path to broadband access and the opportunity it brings. This brief provides an overview of federal affordability programming and its impact and outlines key considerations for successful future programs or reform.