Land of the Free, Home of the Connected

🌐 The Biden administration announced yesterday that 20 major internet service providers – including AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon – have agreed to offer basic low-cost plans that’ll end up being free for millions of low-income Americans after a federal refund.

• Starting immediately, the ISPs will all provide at least one plan that offers a minimum of 100 Mbps of service for no more than $30/month, covering more than 80% of the US population.
• The White House says 40% of Americans – about 48 million households – are eligible to sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which covers any household making less than 200% of the federal poverty level ($55,500 for a family of four).
• The program is funded by a portion of the $65 billion set aside for high-speed broadband internet in the ~$1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill signed into law last November.

✋ Yes, but… Notably absent from Monday’s announcement are many smaller ISPs that collectively cover ~50% of the rural US, meaning Americans who live in those areas and qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program may continue to face slower internet speeds or plans that aren't fully covered by the $30 refund.

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