{"id":4723,"date":"2022-05-09T18:00:11","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T16:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pr.gagadget.com\/bipartisan-deal-brings-cheaper-broadband-to-tens-of-millions-of-americans\/"},"modified":"2022-05-09T18:00:11","modified_gmt":"2022-05-09T16:00:11","slug":"bipartisan-deal-brings-cheaper-broadband-to-tens-of-millions-of-americans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pr.gagadget.com\/en\/bipartisan-deal-brings-cheaper-broadband-to-tens-of-millions-of-americans\/","title":{"rendered":"Bipartisan deal brings cheaper broadband to tens of millions of Americans"},"content":{"rendered":"
Bipartisan deal brings cheaper broadband to tens of millions of Americans<\/div>\n
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The White House has announced deals struck with 20 internet service providers to offer cheaper broadband for tens of millions of Americans – with millions qualifying for a $30\/month cap for unlimited data. The initiative was made possible by bipartisan support …<\/p>\n

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Background<\/h2>\n

Despite competition, the US is one of the most expensive countries<\/a> in the world when it comes to broadband. It is, for example, almost twice as expensive as the UK on a like-for-like package. <\/p>\n

This is not a great situation for everyone, but it’s especially difficult for families that struggle to make ends meet. For example, most job applications can only be found online. There are also many educational resources that will help you lift yourself out of poverty. <\/p>\n

The White House declared broadband last year “the new electricity”, describing its significance to daily life and announcing that it would be affordable for all. Republicans agreed, resulting in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. <\/p>\n

Cheaper broadband for tens of millions<\/h2>\n

The White House made the announcement<\/a> today. <\/p>\n

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As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the President and Vice President worked with Democrats and Republicans to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which allows tens of millions of American households to reduce their internet service costs by up to $30\/month (or $75\/month on Tribal lands). <\/p>\n

To ensure the most efficient use of those public dollars and to deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers–covering more than 80% of the U.S. population across urban, suburban, and rural areas–to either increase speeds or cut prices, making sure they all offer ACP-eligible households high-speed, high-quality internet plans for no more than $30\/month. <\/p>\n

From large providers like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon serving dozens of states, to smaller providers serving rural areas like Jackson Energy Authority in Tennessee and Comporium in North Carolina, the commitments will allow tens of millions of ACP-eligible households to receive high-speed internet at no cost. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Do you qualify for lower broadband prices? <\/h2>\n

Some 48 million households – almost 40% of total US households – qualify. <\/p>\n

The program is designed to target help where it is most needed: those whose household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level<\/a>; or already qualify for an ISP’s existing low-income program; or who qualifies for one of the following programs:<\/p>\n