By Corian Zacher
Affordability is often cited as the number one barrier to connecting residents with reliable broadband. An April 2024 report from Roberto Gallardo and Brian Whitacre that compared 2021 Ookla speed test data to Census Internet adoption data found that communities with older residents, more rural, and higher poverty, the average download speed decreased.
The Connected America Conference in March 2024 included a panel discussion about local, state, and federal policy strategies for addressing affordability.
NCC’s Senior Policy Counsel, Corian Zacher, joined Khotan Harmon, from the City of Austin, Texas, Evann Freeman from EPB, Bo Ford from New Mexico State Library, and Gabe Middleton from Human IT for a conversation moderated by Amol Naik. The conversation centered around the positive impact the Affordable Connectivity Program has shown for rural and urban residents alike, the important role that community anchor institutions, like schools and libraries, play in bridging the digital divide, and the need for reliable long-term affordability policy.
As the ACP enters its final month, state and local governments and community partners remain critically important to supporting residents adjusting to rising internet prices at a time when rents have increased 3.6% over last March and student loan payments entered repayment after a three year hiatus.
Additional Resources:
- The Affordable Connectivity Program: A Need-to-Have for Closing the Digital Divide | FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, Federal Communications Commission
- Next Century Cities Highlights the Dangers of the End of the ACP for Broadband Affordability Efforts and Urges Congress to Refund the ACP Before the End of May.
