Stories

As states prepare to receive historic federal broadband funding and … Continued

The White House just made a BIG announcement – all 50 states now know how much federal broadband funding they will be awarded to expand high-speed internet access. 8.3 million U.S. homes and businesses are not able to access high-speed internet – or the many benefits that come with a connection. This new announcement of federal broadband funding provides states with the ability to achieve a fully connected America.

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.

COVID-19 demonstrated that access to broadband is critical. Yet expanding high-speed internet access is only half the battle. In order to successfully close the digital divide, America must also close its digital skills gap. To put it simply, internet access and computers mean very little without the ability to use them to their fullest potential. 

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.