The pandemic has made clear how important an Internet connection is to all Americans. That access is linked to a range of industries and sectors, driving innovation, education and economic growth. As this foundation of modern life will remain, so will our commitment to ensure that the Internet is not inaccessible to millions of Americans.
In the early stages of the pandemic, thousands of images of American students being forced to do homework in parking lots prompted Congress to act. Closing the digital divide, the gap in access to communications technology that hurts low-income and minority communities, is a cornerstone of equal opportunity in education and, therefore, upward economic mobility.
Several policy changes related to the pandemic have proven to coincide with initiatives such as the Affordable Care Act (ACP), which aimed to make Internet access affordable for low-income households.
ACP provides eligible households with up to $30 per month in rebates for Internet access and up to $75 per month for homes on tribal land. In addition, eligible households that qualify for other assistance programs such as Lifeline, SNAP, etc. also receive up to $100 off a laptop/desktop computer or tablet. Affordable internet plans and device availability are the two main barriers to entry.
After the Affordable Care Act took effect in late 2021, more than 17 million American households subscribed. ACP has helped make tangible progress in bridging the digital divide. A 2021 Pew Research study shows just how integral these benefits are to underserved communities: US Pew data shows that, for example, only 67% of Hispanic adults reported owning a computer, while only 65% said they had Internet service at home.
Another study published by the National League of Cities confirms the reason for this digital gap. The NLC reports that 25% of Hispanics (compared to 19% of the entire US population) cited the cost of Internet access as the main reason for not being online.
Florida is a good example of ACP success. The Sunshine State has one of the highest-rated ACP enrollees in the U.S., with more than 1.2 million households enrolled.
However, just as more and more eligible households continue to sign up, a major challenge arises. ACP funding is expected to run out by March 2024. If Congress allows this to happen, it would be an incredibly unconscionable mistake that would put millions of low-income American households back on the wrong side of the digital divide.
The impact on education cannot be overstated. Millions of students who were given the opportunity to prioritize their education with ACP will be left behind. One policy cornerstone that should not be disputed is that every child in the United States should have access to a quality education. In our modern world, a good education requires access to the Internet.
In addition to helping American students of all economic backgrounds thrive, Internet access also boosts economic opportunity. Small business is a great example because it not only continues to be a primary source of job creation in the United States, but also a key component in fostering economic opportunity in disadvantaged communities. Broadband access means jobs, opportunities and personal empowerment.
More government spending isn’t always the solution big-spending politicians want. Encouraging innovation and more private sector development, especially in communities that are disadvantaged, should always be a priority. At the same time, programs like ACP, which have successfully promoted educational and economic opportunity through connectivity to nearly 17 million American households, truly deserve the support of Congress.
Mario H. Lopez is president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, a public policy advocacy organization that promotes freedom, opportunity and prosperity for all Americans.
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