More than 20 million US households receive internet service discounts
Introduction
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), over 20 million US households are now benefiting from discounts on internet service as part of the federal program aimed at closing the digital divide.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) addresses the issue of affordable internet service for low-income families by providing $30-a-month subsidies to eligible US households. For recipients living on tribal lands, the subsidy can be up to $75 per month to cover internet access costs.
Eligibility Requirements
- Participation in government assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid
- Income below a certain level
- Recent receipt of federal Pell grants
Program Milestones
The FCC’s announcement comes almost two years after the bipartisan infrastructure law established the program, replacing a previous pandemic-era aid initiative. The program has seen rapid enrollment, with more than 10 million households signing up in early 2022.
In February, Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the number of households benefiting from the program had grown to over 16 million, resulting in a total monthly savings of $500 million on internet service.
Since then, the program has continued to add over half a million new households each month.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Affordable Connectivity Program aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Challenges and Future of the ACP
Despite the program’s popularity and rapid uptake, the current enrollment figures only represent about 40% of the estimated 50 million eligible households in the United States, according to research by Common Sense Media.
Furthermore, the future of the ACP is uncertain. Once the program exhausts the initial $14 billion allocated by Congress, millions of low-income Americans could lose their monthly discounts. Policy analysts anticipate the program running out of funding in 2024, putting pressure on Congress to extend it.
Other Initiatives to Expand Internet Access
In addition to the ACP, the US government has taken other steps to expand internet access. Billions of dollars in infrastructure funding will be allocated to states through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program overseen by the Commerce Department.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses the issue of the digital divide and the government’s efforts to address it through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Additionally, the article highlights the cost of reliable internet service for low-income families, emphasizing the need to reduce inequalities, which is a focus of SDG 10.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.3: Increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries
- SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
The article highlights the government’s efforts to provide affordable internet access to low-income households through the ACP. This aligns with SDG 9.3, which aims to increase access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and provide universal and affordable access to the internet. Additionally, by addressing the digital divide and providing subsidies to eligible households, the ACP contributes to SDG 10.2, which focuses on promoting social and economic inclusion for all individuals.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of US households receiving discounts on internet service through the ACP
- Amount of subsidies provided to eligible US households
- Number of households signing up for the ACP
- Percentage of eligible households enrolled in the ACP
- Estimated number of eligible households in the United States
- Amount of funding allocated for the ACP
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include the number of US households receiving discounts on internet service through the ACP, the amount of subsidies provided to eligible households, the number of households signing up for the ACP, the percentage of eligible households enrolled in the program, the estimated number of eligible households in the United States, and the amount of funding allocated for the ACP.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 9.3: Increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries |
|
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status |
|
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Source: cnn.com
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