The Affordable Connectivity Program: A Lifeline for Low-Income Households
A Program in Peril
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered up to $30 a month towards broadband service for low-income and other eligible households, ran out of funds early this summer.
The Impact on New York City
Barbara Caporale, 67, is one of nearly 2 million New York State households, including 1 million in the five boroughs, who lost their internet subsidy when the program ran out of funds. She uses the internet to access Social Security, exercise classes, and virtual job fairs, making it an essential part of her daily life.
The Program’s Success
The data suggests that the program was successful in bridging the digital divide: in 2019, 46.9 percent of all households in East Harlem had home broadband access; by 2022, after the program’s launch, that number rose to 62.7 percent.
Eligibility and Benefits
The ACP’s eligibility criteria allowed for a diverse group of beneficiaries, with applicants needing to fall into one of four categories, including those earning an income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($62,400 a year for a family of four). The program also provided discounts to select internet providers, allowing some households to get their Wi-Fi service without paying out of pocket.
The Struggle to Continue
A bill calling for an extension of the program has not managed to pick up enough bipartisan support to pass and is now in limbo. Former recipients, like Caporale, are seeking out alternative resources to pay for their Wi-Fi bills and avoid falling victim to the digital divide.
Conclusion
The Affordable Connectivity Program was a crucial lifeline for low-income households, providing them with access to affordable internet services. Its loss has left many struggling to find alternative means of accessing the internet. As the program’s renewal remains uncertain, it is essential that elected officials work together to find a solution that benefits all households, regardless of income level.
FAQs
Q: What was the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A: The Affordable Connectivity Program was a government program that provided up to $30 a month towards broadband service for low-income and other eligible households.
Q: Who was eligible for the program?
A: Applicants needed to fall into one of four categories, including those earning an income less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($62,400 a year for a family of four).
Q: How successful was the program?
A: The program was successful in bridging the digital divide, with a significant increase in home broadband access in East Harlem from 46.9 percent in 2019 to 62.7 percent in 2022.
Q: What is the current status of the program?
A: The program ran out of funds early this summer, and a bill calling for its extension has not managed to pick up enough bipartisan support to pass.
