The undersigned organizations write to urge Congress to provide a low-income broadband benefit as part of the forthcoming Phase 4 COVID-19 Package.
The United States is facing an unprecedented emergency, with nearly all people in the nation—from seniors to children—required to work, learn, and meet daily needs while staying at home. The need for connectivity across the country has never been greater, exacerbating the consequences of the existing digital divide, even as fewer people will be able to afford broadband during the crisis.
Therefore, we seek $2 to 3 billion per month for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency to support access to broadband that is adequate to meet the needs of multiple people sheltering-in-place while working and learning via video technology simultaneously.
Affordable broadband is critical.