Today, more than 900,000, or one in five, North Carolina households have access to affordable, high-speed internet thanks to the Biden administration’s Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP). However, unless Congress extends funding for the program by the end of the month, many families may not be able to access the service.
In April, the program will provide only partial benefits. Without additional funding from Congress, the program is expected to end entirely in May, leaving 23 million Americans at risk of losing affordable internet access.
Last October, the president submitted a request for an additional $6 billion in funding to extend the program through the end of 2024. Senior Biden administration officials emphasized the urgency during a conference call Monday afternoon. “If they don’t, millions of voters risk rising internet costs or poor internet quality, and could lose access entirely when the program runs out of funding in April,” one person express. administrative officer. “Congressional Republicans should step up now to stop internet cost increases for their constituents after next month, and we urge them to do so.”
Currently, the program is helping 23 million Americans across the country, saving them $30 to $75 per month on their Internet bills. Nearly half of those beneficiaries are military families and about a quarter are seniors, administration officials said.
Starting in May, families in North Carolina and across the country will see their bills change if funding is not extended. While full program support is no longer available, limited funding will remain. The funding will be available to households already enrolled in the program if their internet provider chooses to participate in partial reimbursement.
If funding is not extended after May, the program will close.
To date, more than $500 million in Affordable Connectivity Program funding has been allocated to North Carolina, according to data provided by the White House. In a statement to Newsline, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) emphasized the importance of affordable broadband.
“Affordable and reliable broadband connectivity is necessary for the long-term success of eastern North Carolina. It’s critical for kids in schools, workers and communities,” said Davis, whose school district has received nearly 5,000 Thousands of dollars in funding. “Constituents continue to express their support for the Affordable Connectivity Plan and the need to continue to safeguard the plan. Funding is needed immediately to ensure the continuation of this important plan,” the statement continued.
Of the state’s congressional districts, the 7th received the most funding, more than $50 million. About 28% of households in the area benefit from the scheme.
Newsline reached out to Republican Rep. David Rouzer, who represents the 7th District, for comment, but his office had not responded as of press time.
If the funding is extended, it will last through the remainder of 2024. In a conference call Monday, administration officials said the president supports long-term solutions and pointed to the administration’s budget request, calling on Congress to “come up with a comprehensive solution.” A sustainable long-term solution for the program. ”
“We’re also eager to have conversations about long-term solutions,” the official said. “But what’s in front of us is a short-term problem that we really need to address.”
period access In January, President Biden, speaking of Raleigh, likened his broadband plan to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s 1936 Rural Electrification Act, which brought electricity to rural areas. “Electricity became an essential part of modern life. It was accessible to nearly everyone, and we decided that no matter where Americans lived, whether in big cities or rural areas, no American should be left behind.” Biden He spoke to about 200 party loyalists, union workers and state legislators. “I made the same decision about affordable high-speed internet. It’s no longer a luxury. It’s an absolute necessity.”
At the same event, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper highlighted the state’s efforts to bridge the digital divide. “We’re helping people get the equipment, training and assistance they need to buy high-speed internet. That’s why we also need Congress to reauthorize the Affordable Connectivity Program. We will continue working to get more people online,” Cooper said. “Whether you’re a rural small business owner, a veteran trying to get health care, a student trying to get access to the Internet, missions are critical to success in the 21st century. Now, we’re no longer investing in digital Tens of millions of dollars, but hundreds of millions, and soon billions, of dollars invested in high-speed internet in North Carolina.”