Stories

The big story of the summer has been high inflation and rising costs—the uninvited guests that put a damper on vacation plans by making almost everything, from gas to food, more expensive. While prices for many goods and services continue to fluctuate, however, there is one essential service that has remained stable in pricing: home broadband. 

Most Americans in urban and suburban areas are accustomed to the convenience of broadband and the opportunities it provides. From distance learning and remote work to telehealth and smart homes, our lives are increasingly connected to the devices and the world around us. For some of the nation’s rural and remote regions, the distance and terrain between households and businesses are often beyond broadband’s reach. The lack of access to high-speed internet prevents efficiencies that much of the nation enjoys. These small rural communities contribute to the American economy and increasing access to high-speed internet in these hard-to-reach areas is not only linked to economic growth, but also enhanced opportunities.

A once-in-a-generation opportunity is before us: to expand broadband and deliver high-speed internet access to the communities, businesses, and families who lack access today.

President Biden announced the narrowing of America’s digital divide on May 9, 2022 at the White House and applauded broadband providers for their internet adoption efforts, including offering plans that enable low-income families to subscribe to 100 Mbps internet service for free when taking advantage of a $30 federal subsidy. With the recent implementation of the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), broadband providers including Comcast, Charter, Cox and Mediacom introduced new internet plans throughout their service areas, allowing qualifying ACP households to obtain robust internet service for free after redemption of their ACP benefit. Interested families can find out if they qualify for the ACP benefit from the new federal government website GetInternet.gov.

In November 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a sweeping $1.2 trillion-dollar bill that includes a significant investment in broadband. A quick bipartisan infrastructure bill analysis shows $42.5 billion going to states to finance internet access, $14.2 billion to provide discounts on internet service and the purchase of a connected device through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and a further $2.75 billion to tackle the digital divide through initiatives such as Wi-Fi hotspots and digital literacy programs for seniors. Passage of the bill was a significant achievement, but there is still another hurdle to overcome: implementation. After allotting such a significant chunk of money to this effort, how do we ensure the funds are used effectively? We have ideas.

A broadband connection, in short, is the bridge from the present to the future. Despite the urgent necessity of internet access, there are still pockets of America that don’t have broadband connectivity. Let’s take a closer look at the industry’s efforts to improve broadband access for all Americans, and how government programs are helping bridge the digital divide.

After months of hearing about a new infrastructure bill rumbling its way through Congress, the U.S. House of Representatives finally passed a bipartisan infrastructure package on September 30. The $1.5 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, designed to refurbish the nation's roads, railways, public transit, power grids, and water systems, will also include $65 billion for broadband, aimed at connecting the unserved parts of America and support for low-income families.

From a tech and entertainment standpoint, there’s plenty to be excited for in 2022. From expanded broadband access, widespread adoption of Wi-Fi 6, and production of cutting-edge content taking place across the country, our future is both fast and entertaining!