In an era increasingly defined by digital connectivity, nearly 275,000 Nevada households are experiencing a new realm of opportunities, thanks to President Biden’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Originating from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this initiative marks a transformative investment in our nation’s infrastructure and competitiveness, particularly under the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration.
Since its launch in December 2021, the ACP has played a pivotal role in Nevada, infusing over $136 million into the state and providing a crucial bridge to affordable, high-speed broadband. This effort represents the most extensive commitment of its kind in U.S. history, underlining the administration’s dedication to modernizing our digital landscape.
However, a pressing crisis looms on the horizon. Without legislative action, this program faces an imminent shutdown in April. The consequences are dire; one in four households in Nevada who have come to rely on free and discounted high-speed internet risk being catapulted back to a pre-digital age. The stakes are high and the time to act is now.
In our current era, access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet is not a luxury but a necessity. It underpins educational success, as schools increasingly rely on digital platforms for homework and meetings with busy parents. Business owners use the internet to reach customers, identify suppliers and confirm deliveries arrive at their destinations on time. Military families use it to keep in touch with loved ones when they are stationed far away. And perhaps most critically, telehealth services — a lifeline for many, especially in rural areas — hinge on reliable internet access.
The ACP’s impact extends significantly to Indigenous communities by providing enhanced benefits for qualifying households on tribal lands, where internet access is often more expensive. To date, this program has reached more than 320,000 Indigenous households across the country.
The internet is a vital resource for working families to communicate and interact. Still, too many are left without high-speed internet because they lack the infrastructure or are limited by high costs. In particular, these inequities disproportionately impact underserved communities, rural communities, veterans and older Americans, where the lack of affordable, reliable, high-speed internet contributes to significant economic, health and other disparities. Losing the support provided by the ACP will depress the quality of life of those who can’t otherwise afford the cost of connecting, possibly putting them at a significant disadvantage economically, socially and physically. The potentially harmful effects and the resulting loss of productivity and efficiency could ripple across the state and hurt our thriving economy.
The ACP aligns with President Biden’s Investing In America agenda and his commitment to reducing costs for all Americans. Eligible households can receive up to $30 off their monthly internet bill and a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a device. But due to overwhelming demand in our state and across the country, the ACP stopped accepting new applications on Feb. 7, and April is slated to be the last month of full benefits for enrolled households unless Congress intervenes.
Now is not the time for Congress to leave us buffering. As Nevada continues to navigate and prosper in an ever-evolving economy, the necessity of widespread, affordable internet access cannot be overstated. Together, let’s champion this cause, steadfast in our commitment to ensure that no one is left behind in our digital age.
Taylor Patterson is a member of the Bishop Paiute tribe and serves as the executive director of Indigenous Voices of Nevada.
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Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
