Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications

Digital Divide

Broadband internet and reliable voice service are essential utility services for modern life. Low-wealth households and communities of color tend to be less connected to these essential communication services compared to wealthier households. NCLC advocates for programs and policies that will close this digital divide.

State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit

August 16, 2023

Resources to help frontline groups that are working to provide broadband and communication assistance.

Read More about: State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit
June 27, 2025
October 18, 2024

Recent

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Sweeping Guidance for Federal Funding Creates Uncertainty for Families Struggling with Unaffordable Energy Bills

July 14, 2026

NCLC Comments to the OMB Regarding Federal Financing Assistance (sweeping proposed rule that subverts statutory direction for program funding for all federal agencies)

July 13, 2026

California Letter in Opposition to ACA-9

May 29, 2026

Rural, Low-Income Communities Win After Supreme Court Upholds Funding for Phone and Broadband

June 27, 2025

Sign On to the FCC in Support of the National Congress of American Indians and the Navajo Nation’s Request for a Tribal Licensing Window (Spectrum)

April 28, 2025

Comments in Support of the FCC’s Proposed Rule to Unlock Cell Phones (Handsets)

October 18, 2024

Letter from 31 Public Interest Organizations to the FCC in Support of Opening a Rulemaking on Bulk Billing of Internet Service

July 31, 2024

Public Knowledge Sign-on Letter Re: Inclusion of Affordable Connectivity Program in Any Spectrum Auction Authority Legislation

March 21, 2024

Joint Letter to the FCC Urging Use of ACP Outreach Grants for ACP Wind Down Implementation

January 11, 2024

Comments & Letters

View All for Comments & Letters
NCLC Comments to the OMB Regarding Federal Financing Assistance (sweeping proposed rule that subverts statutory direction for program funding for all federal agencies)

July 13, 2026

California Letter in Opposition to ACA-9

May 29, 2026

Sign On to the FCC in Support of the National Congress of American Indians and the Navajo Nation’s Request for a Tribal Licensing Window (Spectrum)

April 28, 2025

Comments in Support of the FCC’s Proposed Rule to Unlock Cell Phones (Handsets)

October 18, 2024

Letter from 31 Public Interest Organizations to the FCC in Support of Opening a Rulemaking on Bulk Billing of Internet Service

July 31, 2024

Public Knowledge Sign-on Letter Re: Inclusion of Affordable Connectivity Program in Any Spectrum Auction Authority Legislation

March 21, 2024

Joint Letter to the FCC Urging Use of ACP Outreach Grants for ACP Wind Down Implementation

January 11, 2024

Affordable Broadband Groups Comments Regarding Universal Service Fund in Reclassification Docket

December 14, 2023

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

Issue Briefs

View All for Issue Briefs
State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit

August 16, 2023

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

September 28, 2022

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

February 22, 2022

The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

May 11, 2021

Broadband Service is a Racial Equity Priority

September 22, 2020

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

August 1, 2019

Press Releases & News

View All for Press Releases & News
Sweeping Guidance for Federal Funding Creates Uncertainty for Families Struggling with Unaffordable Energy Bills

July 14, 2026

Rural, Low-Income Communities Win After Supreme Court Upholds Funding for Phone and Broadband

June 27, 2025

Congress Must Extend Affordable Connectivity Program Funding to Keep Kids Connected

September 11, 2023

New Resources for Frontline Groups Engaged in State Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Plans

August 17, 2023

Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to Launch Wednesday

May 11, 2021

President Biden’s American Jobs Plan Would Deliver Clean Water, Electric Transportation Grid, High-Speed Broadband, and Housing Equity

April 1, 2021

Advocates Applaud Passage of $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Economic Stimulus to Help Americans but Congress Must Ensure EIPs Feed Families, Not Debt Collectors

March 10, 2021

Important Wins, but Unmet Needs, in New Stimulus Package

December 22, 2020

Statement of National Consumer Law Center Advocate in Support of The Emergency Broadband Connections Act of 2020

June 29, 2020

From the NCLC Digital Library

Access to Utility Service

NCLC’s treatise on delivery of water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications, with everything a practitioner needs to know on metering, payments, telecommunications, and assistance programs.

Read Chapter One

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