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Reps Carey, Budzinski Introduce Bipartisan Compromise to Renew Affordable Connectivity Program
Reps Mike Carey (R-OH) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)—a federal program that helped low-income households afford access to high-speed internet.
Eliminating the Digital Divide in the District of Columbia Requires a Focus on Affordability
Goal One for the District of Columbia State Broadband and Digital Equity Office is to make high-quality, affordable, high-speed internet accessible to all residents of D.C. in their homes and local Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) and drive equitable adoption of broadband. Key to that goal is ensuring that no D.C. resident must pay more than two percent of their gross income per month for high-speed internet. But, as a percentage of the total population, D.C. has more people with income below 150 percent of the federal poverty line than the US does overall.
Charter Announces Second Quarter 2024 Results
Charter Communications reported financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. Charter had 29.6 million residential customer relationships, excluding mobile-only relationships.
NTIA Offering Grants So You Can Help Get Covered Populations Online
On July 24, the U.S.
How 23 Million Americans Are Adjusting to Life Without the Affordable Connectivity Program
For as long as the internet has existed, there’s been a gap between those who have access to it—and the means to afford it—and those who don’t. The vast majority of federal broadband spending over the past two decades has gone toward expanding internet access to rural areas. Only $14.2 billion went to making the internet more affordable through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Maryland leaders work to expand Wi-Fi in West Baltimore
Sen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott (D-MD), and Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel spoke about plans to expand internet connectivity in Baltimore. The Enoch Pratt Free Library currently has about 2,000 hotspots in circulation. According to Meghan McCorkell, Enoch Pratt Free Library’s chief of marketing, communications and strategy, about 969 people are waiting for a hotspot.
Broadband Affordability is an Ongoing Challenge for Low-Income Households
A new survey from the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society focusing on low-income Americans shows that affordability challenges are pervasive for low-income households, a problem the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helped alleviate for those most in need. The survey finds that:
What’s Next for Digital Equity? Preparing for the Competitive Grant Program
As required by the Digital Equity Act, the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will be established soon, making hundreds of millions of dollars available in the first Notice of Funding Opportunity to implement digital inclusion projects. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mandates that funding be directed towards programs designed to empower those impacted by the digital divide, known as Covered Populations.
Comcast Reports 2nd Quarter 2024 Results
Comcast revenue decreased 2.7% compared to the prior year period. Earnings per Share (EPS) decreased 1.3% to $1.00. Capital Expenditures decreased 8.1% to $2.7 billion.
Delaware Wants to be the First State to Achieve Universal Broadband
Delaware’s goal for broadband deployment is to be the first state to deliver universal broadband—that is, to ensure an affordable high-speed internet connection to all homes and businesses. Affordability is the second most common reason for nonsubscription cited by Delawarean households who do not purchase home internet service—ranking above a lack of need for or interest in service, and slightly below service not being available. The struggle of some Delaware residents to afford broadband services, devices, and technical support restricts their ability to fully engage in the digital world.