Digital Divide Archives

Group Letter to the Biden Administration Urging Quick Nomination of a 5th FCC Commissioner

June 11, 2021

The undersigned organizations write to convey the rapidly growing urgency to nominate a fifth commissioner to ensure a fully functional Federal Communications Commission. We recognize the pressing and time-consuming challenges this administration has faced since its earliest days, combating the public health and economic crises caused by a historic pandemic. We also commend the administration…

Group Comments in Support of NALA Petition of Waiver of Lifeline Mobile Broadband Minimum Standard and Voice Support Phase-Down

September 14, 2020

Lifeline, the only federal program that addresses the issue of affordability central to accessing essential communications service, is not just a crucial tool to closing the divide but has also become an essential resource for low-income people across the country during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Carriers report a marked increase in voice usage during this…

Broadband Service is a Racial Equity Priority

September 22, 2020

Under normal circumstances broadband is the lifeline to economic opportunities, social engagement, and democratic participation in modern society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, broadband is essential to protect the health and well-being of members of a household and the public as well as key to a families’ economic survival. Tragically, the racial disparities in broadband access…

Apply Now for up to $30 a Month for Broadband Service with the Affordable Connectivity Program

February 22, 2022

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? ACP is a broadband benefit program for low-income households. ACP provides eligible households with a discount of up to $30 a month to lower the cost of broadband service (and up to $75 a month for low-income households on Tribal lands). Some internet providers also offer an ACP…

A Guide for Advocates to Recent Federal COVID-19 Relief to Help Consumers Pay for Essential Energy, Water, and Broadband Service

September 28, 2022

This issue brief provides an overview for advocates on the key federal COVID-19 relief programs that can help consumers pay for essential energy, water, and broadband service.

Letter to the U.S. House Regarding Network Resiliency

December 4, 2019

Consumer advocates, civil rights advocates, Tribal advocates and advocates for economic development of local communities and rural America deeply concerned over the continually declining state of our nation’s critical communications infrastructure.

Letter to the Senate Regarding Broadband Benefit in the COVID Package

April 14, 2020

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…

Joint Letter to Internet and Broadband Providers Urging Them to Lift Data Caps and Increase Data Speed for Low-Income Consumers to Help Bridge the Digital Divide

March 16, 2020

The undersigned organizations write to you urging additional action in the telecommunications industry in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Group Letter Urging the FCC to Reduce Phone Call Costs for People Who Are Incarcerated and to Ensure Accessible Communications for Incarcerated People with Disabilities

December 17, 2021

Groups urge the FCC to reduce phone call costs for people who are incarcerated and to ensure accessible communications for incarcerated people with disabilities.

Group Letter to the U.S. Energy & Commerce Committee Urging COVID-19 Emergency Action

April 7, 2020

Group letter to the U.S. Energy & Commerce committee urging COVID-19 emergency action to ensure affordable and accessible broadband internet for underserved Americans

Group Letter to Congress Urging Inclusion of Expanded Broadband in Upcoming Stimulus Packages

April 29, 2020

A coalition of industry, non-profits, schools and libraries urge Congress to support access to affordable broadband internet in forthcoming COVID-19 stimulus packages.

Digital Divide: Millions of Americans Have Limited or No Meaningful Access to the Internet

August 1, 2019

Congress and federal agencies are considering how to make access to information easier for households in the United States by facilitating communication through email, hyperlinks, and important notices provided on the internet. It is essential that the tens of millions of people in America who are not connected digitally also be protected.

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