Biden Touts Telecom Commitment to Low-Cost Broadband Options

WASHINGTON, May 9, 2022 – President Joe Biden on Monday reaffirmed his agenda of bridging the digital divide through private sector commitments to connect low-income Americans.

As part of a coordinated effort between federal agencies and the private sector, the Biden administration said 20 broadband providers – from regional providers to the largest national providers – had pledged to provide low-income Americans with superior speeds at lower prices.

This most recent commitment saw providers lowering prices to $30/month or less at speeds of at least 100 Megabits per second. Additionally, the Administration request that such plans not feature additional fees and data limits.

This most recent private sector coordination is distinct from the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, though households that qualify for ACP will also qualify for these reduced-price programs. The two programs are designed to work in tandem.

ACP will provide up to $30 per month for qualified households to acquire broadband service and up to $75 per month to households on tribal lands. The ACP will also provide a one-time subsidy of up to $100 for a household to secure a tablet or other similar device that can access the internet.

Those who use Medicaid, SNAP, federal public housing assistance, Federal Pell Grants, Lifeline, or other related programs already qualify for ACP.

In addition to these private sector efforts to improve broadband coverage, the administration also announced the launch of GetInternet.gov – a website designed to direct users to resources that will help them secure broadband connections. Additionally, the administration also announced that various agencies that administer federal programs (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.) will reach out to users to inform them of these programs.

The social security administration will also reach out to those with a “My Social Security” account to inform them of the program.

Public interest organizations such as United Way and Catholic Charities USA will also be training their networks in program enrollment and outreach.