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.

Featured

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

September 28, 2022

Fact Sheet: Consumer Protections and the Affordable Connectivity Program

June 28, 2022

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

February 22, 2022

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

Key Broadband Affordability Wins in Biden’s Infrastructure Bill

November 8, 2021

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

June 11, 2021

Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to Launch Wednesday

May 11, 2021

The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

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

Comments & Letters

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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

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

June 11, 2021

Comments Regarding Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund Assistance

January 25, 2021

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

September 14, 2020

Coalition Letter Urging Congress to Provide Robust Funding for the United States Postal Service

May 6, 2020

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

April 29, 2020

Letter to the Senate Regarding Broadband Benefit in the COVID Package

April 14, 2020

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

April 7, 2020

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

Reports

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Issue Briefs

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

September 28, 2022

Fact Sheet: Consumer Protections and the Affordable Connectivity Program

June 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

Testimony

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Press Releases

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Key Broadband Affordability Wins in Biden’s Infrastructure Bill

November 8, 2021

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

National Consumer Law Center Advocates’ Statement Regarding U.S. House Passage of HEROES Act

May 15, 2020

Senate COVID-19 Stimulus Bill is a Start but Falls Far Short for Families, Students, and the Nation’s Most Vulnerable

March 26, 2020

Report Assesses the Value of Smart Thermostats in Low-Income Weatherization Programs

January 30, 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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