Mon 09 May 2022:
On Monday, the Biden administration announced that 20 internet companies had agreed to give discounted service to low-income customers, a program that may essentially make tens of millions of households eligible for free service due to an already existing federal subsidy.
ISPs such as AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and others agreed to provide “high-speed” internet access for $30 per month. The Biden administration also announced a federal subsidy for low-income households that will pay up to $30 for internet access, effectively making the plan free for qualifying households.
During his presidential campaign and the push for the infrastructure bill, Biden emphasized boosting high-speed internet connectivity in rural and low-income areas.
With the new commitment from the internet providers, some 48 million households will be eligible for $30 monthly plans for 100 megabits per second, or higher speed, service — making internet service fully paid for with the government subsidy if they sign up with one of the providers participating in the program.
The 20 internet companies that have agreed to lower their rates for eligible consumers provide service in areas where 80 percent of the US population, including 50 percent of the rural population, live, according to the White House. Participating companies that offer service on tribal lands are providing $75 rates, the equivalent of the federal government subsidy in those areas.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is grateful for the efforts of these companies, and encourages additional internet service providers to join this effort to close the digital divide by offering high-speed, low-cost plans,” the White House said in a statement.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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