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WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The Biden administration announced on Monday that 20 internet companies have agreed to provide discounted services to low-income Americans. subsidy.
The $1 trillion infrastructure package passed by Congress last year included $14.2 billion in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides $30 per month ($75 in tribal areas) subsidies on internet service for millions of low-income households.
With the new commitment from internet providers, nearly 48 million households will be eligible for $30 monthly plans for speeds of 100 megabits per second or higher – making internet service fully paid for with government subsidies if they sign up for one of the internet service providers. Providers participating in the program.
Biden made expanding high-speed internet access in rural and low-income areas a priority during his White House administration and his push for the infrastructure bill. He has repeatedly spoken about low-income families struggling to find reliable wifi so their children can attend distance learning and complete homework in the early hours of the coronavirus pandemic.
“If we didn’t know before, we do now: High-speed internet is essential,” the Democratic president said last month at an event at the White House honoring the National Teacher of the Year.
According to the White House, 20 internet companies that have agreed to lower their rates for eligible consumers operate in areas where 80% of the US population lives, including 50% of the rural population. Participating companies providing services in tribal lands provide rates of $75, which is equivalent to federal government subsidy in these areas.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will meet on Monday with telecommunications executives, members of Congress and others to highlight their efforts to improve high-speed internet access for low-income households.
Providers Allo Communications, AltaFiber (and Hawaiian Telecom), Altice USA (Optimum and Suddenlink), Astound, AT&T, Breezeline, Comcast, Comporium, Frontier, IdeaTek, Cox Communications, Jackson Energy Authority, MediaCom, MLGC, Spectrum (Charter Communications) , Starry, Verizon (Fios only), Vermont Telephone Co., Vexus Fiber, and Wow! Internet, Cable and TV.
American households are eligible for subsidies through the Affordable Connectivity Program if their income is 200% or below the federal poverty level, or if a member of their family participates in one of several programs, including the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Federal Housing Benefit (FPHA) and Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefit.
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