One Texas mother said she didn’t know what to do if she lost funding until the bill passed.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Affordable internet access is at risk if Congress doesn’t pass a bill by the end of April. If it doesn’t pass, nearly 2 million Texas households will lose monthly subsidies that help offset internet costs.
Now, the state of Texas is stepping in, awarding more than $3.1 million in grants to families who need help paying for their internet bills.
There is no start date for when people can apply for funding.
“I’m disappointed in our federal elected officials on this issue,” said James White, a former state representative in the House.
RELATED: Nearly 2 million Texas households will lose monthly internet subsidies
The Affordable Connectivity scheme launches in 2021 after students and workers are sent home.
White said there is a huge need to expand service coverage and affordability.
“Broadband connectivity in rural areas of East, West and South Texas is to us what rural electrification was in the early 20th century,” White told 12News.
Mrs. Barnes, a Texas mother, said she didn’t know what to do if she lost the funding until the bill was passed. Tina Barnes said she can only afford reliable high-speed service thanks to a monthly subsidy.
“I don’t have internet, we just use our phones, we don’t need internet,” Barnes told our sister station WFAA in Dallas. “Oh, great.”
Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the program provides low-income households with up to $30 in credits per month on their internet bills.
“The monthly help subsidy is great, but we need to get over it,” White said.
Today, the federal government approved the state’s digital equity plan, which will allow them to award $3 million in grants. However, there is no specific date for when Texans can apply.
White said it will take collaboration to find solutions.
“That’s why we need everyone to work as a team to get the construction done because that’s the upfront cost,” he said.
With one in seven Texans needing broadband assistance, this is a bigger issue and 12News will continue to monitor and keep you updated.
1.7 million Texas households will lose monthly internet subsidies
The program provides a $30 monthly subsidy to help low-income families pay for internet service, but is expected to run out of funds by the end of April.