Affordable Connectivity Program
Good day Govna,
As we enter the last month of Q3 and recharge this holiday weekend, I'm spending bits and pieces of time reflecting on the year. In that reflection, simply taking time to try and put everything together from a mental standpoint and carry it into this last quarter is my aim. With everything that has occurred this year, piecing together the lessons learned and growth opportunities can only produce fruitful steps forward if implemented properly. Take that time to reflect this Labor Day and partition things for your benefit.
As promised, today's piece is on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP was an initiative implemented by Congress during the pandemic to essentially offer low-cost access to internet connectivity for communities that can't afford it as readily as others. The program offered monthly discounts of up to $30 per household for any service provider of their choosing and $75 for tribal communities (Griffis, 2024). Due to funding issues, the program has since been discontinued as of May 31, 2024.
As I was watching college football this weekend, I saw a commercial highlighting how elementary kids need internet access now more then ever. When the ACP was active, it had a very noticeable impact according to a survey by the Federal Communications Commission. About 75% of ACP users said they used the internet to book or attend virtual healthcare appointments, 48% applied for jobs or worked online and 75% of youngins aged 18-24 used the internet to complete homework (Griffis,2024). Staggering statistics to say the least.
It's no secret that the wealth gap is increasing at an alarming rate and continues to move at break-neck speed yearly now. To support this post, there was TedxTalk done by Scott Galloway (posted underneath the cited article below) that details extensively this wealth-gap divide and growth. It fits in well with the ACP ending and how it compounds this gap occurring in America today.
The US has showed it's resilience this year in the midst of reports about a potential recession and economically the country is doing ok all things considered. With that being noted, I believe if Congress were to revive this program and do so in an economically sustainable way, it will help the US maintain that resiliency while giving students the opportunity to contribute to the economy with a developed and well-rounded skillset.
Get after this month.
In Unity,
Griffis, Kelcee. âMillions of Americans Stand to Lose Their Subsidized Home Internet Connection This Year.â Tech Brew, Morning Brew, 15 Apr. 2024, www.emergingtechbrew.com/stories/2024/04/15/affordable-connectivity-program-renewal-congress?mbcid=35054186.418927&mblid=02087e23d76f&mid=5d51fb1a542a4da94236993f558c28a7&utm_campaign=etb&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_source=morning_brew.


















