A federal program designed to ease the financial burden of internet access for American families may soon end, potentially leaving thousands without connectivity and widening the digital divide, particularly among Black and Brown households.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), launched by the Biden-Harris Administration under the Investing in America agenda and facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is the largest internet affordability initiative in U.S. history. The program, which has provided significant relief by reducing monthly internet bills by $30 to $75 for approximately 23 million households nationwide, is set to expire at the end of May.
Bipartisan supporters of the ACP in Congress are exploring limited options to keep the program afloat. However, with the deadline fast approaching, it remains unclear whether they can secure the necessary votes to ensure its continuation.
Internet access needed for all
According to a study from Benenson Strategy Group in collaboration with Comcast, many people are worried about what will happen if the program no longer exists. Across demographics, there is widespread concern that loss of the ACP would mean job losses and losing access to health care. According to the survey:
- 65% fear losing their job or their household’s primary source of income.
- 75% fear losing access to important healthcare services, like online appointments or prescription medicine refills.
- 81% of parents worry about their children falling behind in school.
Texas impact
In Texas, over 1.7 million households have benefited from the ACP, with the state receiving $877 million in total funding. This has translated into nearly $50 million in monthly savings for families. However, without action from Congress, the program faces termination this spring, potentially leaving millions unable to afford high-speed internet.
The ACP has been operational for over two years, originally enacted as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. According to state officials, nearly 3 million Texas households lack broadband access.
“Twenty-three percent of Texans are unable to attend online classes, see a healthcare provider from their living room, fill out a job application online, start a business, or access online marketplaces from their kitchen table. These barriers negatively affect Texans’ quality of life and limit economic opportunities for people and the state overall,” said Glen Hegar, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Impact on education
In Houston, the program has provided discounted broadband options and subsidies for equipment such as laptops and smartphones to qualifying households. Houston ISD, where as many as 150,900 students are economically disadvantaged, has been a significant beneficiary. Currently, there are over 224,300 subscribers in Harris County and 292,600 in the Greater Houston area who are utilizing the ACP.
The Kinder Institute for Urban Research found that about 20% of Houston-area residents lacked the resources for children to do schoolwork while at home during the pandemic. The numbers for minorities were starker, with about 33% of Black families and 25% of Hispanic families lacking the technology to complete remote learning. Meanwhile, just about 10% of white and Asian families reported similar barriers.
About half of Houston ISD families with incomes below $20,000 reported not having internet access or digital devices for children to do schoolwork. In addition, in a separate survey of Houston ISD teachers and staff, 43% said they had students who lacked reliable access to digital devices. During the pandemic, being on the wrong side of the digital divide contributed to lower test scores, lower attendance and higher failure rates.
“Many of our students don’t have any other means to get online,” said Jodi Turner, a teacher at a local elementary school. “Without internet, they’re missing out on critical learning opportunities. This will have a long-term impact on their education.”
Disproportionate impact on minorities
The digital divide — the gap between those who have technology resources like internet access and digital devices — is often seen as an obstacle to educational attainment and economic mobility. According to data consulting firm, McKinsey & Company, approximately 40 percent of Black American households—as opposed to 28 percent of White American households—don’t have high-speed, fixed broadband. About 70% of Black and 60% of Hispanic respondents reported lacking digital skills, impacting their employment options. This divide is also evident in educational outcomes: during the pandemic, 33% of Black and 25% of Hispanic families in Houston reported lacking the technology for remote learning, compared to 10% of White and Asian families.
Looking ahead
The Biden-Harris Administration submitted a supplemental request of $6 billion to Congress in October 2023 to secure the program’s continuation, but Congress has yet to approve the necessary funding. Political dynamics, including the “Hastert Rule,” which prevents legislation from being voted on without majority support from the Republican caucus, further complicate the situation.
For families affected by the program’s potential end, alternatives like the Lifeline support program, which offers up to $9.25 off monthly costs for phone, internet, or bundled services, may provide some relief. However, the qualifications for Lifeline are stringent, requiring participation in federal assistance programs or income below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Companies like Comcast are urging Congress and the White House to renew ACP funding, calling it essential to closing the digital divide. The company has enrolled more than 10 million people in their low-income broadband adoption program, Internet Essentials, which has connected over 10 million low-income households for over 10 years to fast, reliable internet. good for online learning, working from home, video calling, and other essentials. They’ve also committed $1 billion to reach tens of millions of people with the comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity, ProjectUP.
Local libraries and community centers have also extended their hours and resources, but these measures are only stopgaps. The long-term solution, many argue, lies in a comprehensive policy approach that addresses the root causes of digital inequality.
