Millions of families across the country — and 338,000 in New Jersey — could soon lose a benefit that provides $30 per month of savings on internet bills.
Funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will run out this spring, probably by April, Rep. Frank Pallone, NJ-6, said Wednesday during an event in Red Bank.
“These days, high-speed internet is not a luxury – it’s a necessity,” said Pallone, who noted that the COVID pandemic made internet access essential. “Americans depend on internet access to do their jobs, run their small businesses, study for school, meet with their doctor for a telehealth visit, and connect with family and friends.”
Pallone, calling the issue a priority, said Congress needs to include additional funding in coming spending bills.
Because of the funding concerns, the program stopped accepting new applications on Feb. 7.
“The more people we get connected, the more we can close the digital divide,” said Jessica Rosenworcel, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which administers the program.
More than a million people in New Jersey were eligible for the current benefit, officials said. To date, only 338,000 New Jersey families participated.
Under the program, those who signed up at getinternet.gov received a $30 monthly discount on internet service, and also received a $100 discount to buy a laptop, desktop or tablet. Households must have had income that’s not higher than 200% of the federal poverty level to be eligible, officials said.
Families were also eligible if they received Medicaid, food stamps, aid through the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program, free or reduced price school lunches or federal public housing assistance. Also eligible were those who received Supplemental Security Income, veterans’ pension and survivors benefits, Pell Grants or who already received subsidies for phone or internet service under the Lifeline program.
New Jersey received more than $6 million in funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act “to plan for the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed internet service throughout the state.”
At the time, Gov. Phil Murphy said the money was “crucial funding that will dramatically expand access to affordable high-speed internet in our state.”
The governor’s office did not respond to requests for comment about why more families in the state didn’t sign up for the benefits.
The state Board of Public Utilities previously said it was encouraging residents to sign up, but did not comment on why only 338,000 of a million eligible families in the state participated in the program.
“Those people who don’t have internet service because they can’t afford it, they’re really behind the times,” Pallone said.
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Karin Price Mueller may be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @KPMueller.
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.
