Americans Save $500 Million Monthly on Internet Fees

The vice president will announce a new program to assist historically Black colleges and universities in accessing federal Internet resources. She will be joined by Representative Jim Clyburn (a South Carolina Democrat). Clyburn, a solid political ally of President Biden, will be present during her visit to Columbia. This is a significant endorsement for Biden ahead of the pivotal South Carolina primaries. Black voters are crucial to Democrats’ success in recent midterm elections and the presidential election.

The administration wants to increase awareness about the program, especially among low- and minority-income communities that are most likely to be eligible.

Morning Consult conducted a survey last year and found that 23% of adults had heard about the broadband benefits program. This includes only 17% of those with low income. The Government Accountability Office released a January report urging the Federal Communications Commission and the government to improve consumer outreach in order to better meet its goals.

According to federal contracting data, the FCC hired an outside communications company earlier this year to increase awareness about the program. The vice president asked the state and local governments for assistance in spreading information about this program.

The White House stated in a factsheet that “this call to action led to tens of millions of text messages and emails to consumers to inform them of this opportunity.”

The program offers reduced costs plans and federal subsidies up to $30 per month. It is available to hundreds of internet service providers, including AT&T Inc., Verizon Communication Inc. and Comcast Corp. Family members who are eligible can receive discounts on tablets and computers. The bipartisan infrastructure bill, passed by both parties to increase internet access, provided $65 billion.