We are now one step closer to closing America’s digital divide. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) just released an updated version of its national broadband map, providing a clearer picture of where high-speed internet service is – and is not – available.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is expanding. At a White House ceremony on May 9th, President Biden announced a landmark commitment from 20 internet service providers—including Comcast, Charter, Cox and Mediacom—to provide ACP-eligible households with robust high-speed internet service for free, after redeeming their monthly subsidy.
Good news: We’ve never been closer to achieving universal broadband connectivity in America with 93% of U.S. homes now using the internet. With a 100% connected nation in sight, let’s take a look at three ways cable broadband providers are working to get America over the finish line and close the digital divide.
Broadband access for everyone—regardless of race, location, ethnicity, or income is a key step on the way to achieving 100% connectivity across the country. As education, employment, and even many basic life functions rely more and more on an internet connection, the concept of “digital equity” is crucial to bridging the digital divide.
In rural states like West Virginia, broadband access is not yet available everywhere. To achieve 100% connectivity in remote areas, we must take collective action. That’s why governments and internet service providers (ISPs) continue to establish public-private partnerships that utilize federal, state, and local funding for broadband expansion across the country – producing a track record of success.
It’s been one year since the launch of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a federal initiative that provides free or discounted high-speed broadband to qualifying households across the country. Closing the digital divide is a national priority. The Affordable Connectivity Program – and its partnership with internet service providers (ISPs) – plays an important part in enabling millions of Americans to access the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a first draft of the new, interactive U.S. broadband map, which will be instrumental step to getting all Americans connected to high-speed internet by identifying where internet is available and where it still needs to be deployed.
The unprecedented COVID pandemic turned a trend toward remote work into a flood – 58% of Americans now have the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, and 35% can telework the full week. With this mass turn to remote employment, the question on many minds is a practical one: how to extend Wi-Fi range and ensure your entire home receives a strong internet connection?