WH Seeks Support for Internet Subsidy Program

The White House is set to renew efforts in April to persuade Congress to extend an internet subsidy program that serves 23 million American households just before its funding runs out, officials confirmed.

In October, the White House requested $6 billion to extend the program until December 2024, but Congress has yet to allocate the funds, putting many households at risk of losing their internet connection.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel informed lawmakers in a letter that April will be the last month participants receive the full subsidy, with reduced subsidies in May.

Congress had previously designated $17 billion to assist low-income families and those affected by COVID-19 in accessing broadband through a $30 per month voucher for internet services.

“We cannot afford to let this successful initiative to promote universal internet access come to an end,” Rosenworcel stated on Tuesday. “Despite the widespread support for this program and the urgent need to continue it to prevent millions of households across the country from losing crucial internet connectivity, no additional funding has been secured yet.”

Enrollment for new users was halted by the FCC on February 8.

The Affordable Connectivity Program, as outlined by the White House, enables users to save more than $500 million each month on their internet expenses.

Companies like Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T have all urged Congress to extend the program.

A bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Peter Welch, JD Vance, Jacky Rosen, and Kevin Cramer proposes $7 billion for the program. Additionally, a one-year funding bill for the program has been introduced in the House with the support of 216 members.

A survey cited by the FCC revealed that if the program concludes, over three-quarters of participating households “would face service interruptions or be forced to change or discontinue their current plan.”