Over 1.5 million residents in Texas could soon be facing a harsh return to life without high-speed internet as the Affordable Connectivity Program is slated to end, leaving not only Texans but approximately 23 million Americans in a tough spot. According to FOX San Antonio, this vital pandemic-era benefit, which offered low or no-cost internet to eligible households, has used up its funds. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns that come May, benefits will be reduced, and by June, absent Congressional action, there will be nothing left.
The potential cutoff is expected to significantly impact Texas, where the digital divide remains pronounced. The Texas Tribune highlighted individual stories like that of Daisy Solis, a South Texas resident, who saved $30 monthly on her internet bill thanks to the program—money she diverted towards other essentials. The urgency is palpable as 1 in 7 Texans relied on the program, with places like Hidalgo County seeing about half of its residents utilize the subsidy.
In an attempt to mitigate this impending crisis, the White House has urged Congress to renew the program and called upon service providers to offer temporary solutions. "The path we're on right now is, we're gonna be returning to a place where kids are doing their homework in parking lots, folks can't access their telehealth," Angelina Seifer of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance told FOX San Antonio. White House Press Secretary Karina Jean-Pierre echoed this concern, announcing that the administration is encouraging providers to keep consumers connected through low-cost plans during this crucial time.
With a digital deadline fast approaching, the consequences of a subsidy stoppage have stirred bipartisan concern. A group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to reserve funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program through the end of 2024. However, Republican pushback over claims of reckless spending by the Biden administration looms as a barrier to its passage, as reported by the Texas Tribune. Stephen Benjamin, a senior adviser to the president, put the onus on Congressional Republicans to protect their constituents from steep internet cost increases, stating, "It's past time for Congressional Republicans to step up and prevent their constituents' internet costs from increasing in the coming weeks."
Despite the uncertain future of the subsidy, large internet providers like Comcast have pledged continued support for low-income customers through affordable plans. However, smaller rural providers are at a financial crossroads, with the lowest cost option they can offer without government support being significantly higher. The Texas Tribune mentions Charlie Cano, CEO of ETex Telephone Cooperative, expressing his nervousness, "Anything lower than that is going to jeopardize our business model." For now, users of the Affordable Connectivity Program should check with their providers about the possibilities of low-cost options as the end of the subsidy looms near.
