Editorial: Internet access is a necessity today. But millions could soon lose it.

Internet Access as a Necessity: The Threat to Low-Income Families

The Importance of Internet Access

Internet access has become a necessity in modern America, comparable to essential utilities like plumbing and electricity. It plays a crucial role in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation. However, the lack of internet connectivity poses significant challenges for individuals and families.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an important initiative that provides subsidies to low-income households, making their monthly internet bills affordable. Currently serving approximately 23 million families nationwide, including 400,000 in Missouri and 700,000 in Illinois, the ACP is at risk due to congressional inaction.

The Threat of Expiration

If Congress allows the ACP to expire next month, many struggling families will lose their internet access. To prevent this, a bipartisan plan to fund the program through the end of the year has been proposed. However, shortsighted fiscal objections have stalled its progress.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 4: Quality Education – Internet access is essential for remote learning and educational opportunities.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Internet access enables job applications and remote work.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The ACP helps bridge the digital divide and ensure equal access to information and opportunities.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Internet access promotes civic engagement and participation in community life.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society is crucial to address the issue of affordable internet access.

The Impact of the ACP

The ACP was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. It complements the Biden administration’s efforts to expand internet infrastructure with a $40 billion investment. However, without subsidies from the ACP, low-income families will still struggle to afford monthly internet services.

Although a $30 reduction may seem insignificant, it can make a significant difference for lower-income families. It enables them to engage in online activities such as job applications, accessing school information, and online shopping, which can help save costs on other basic expenses.

A survey conducted by the Federal Communications Commission found that over three-quarters of ACP recipients would face disruptions in their internet access without the subsidy. Some respondents even stated that they would have to permanently cancel their internet service or cut other essential expenses like food and gas to stay connected.

The Need for Funding

The ACP’s original $14 billion appropriation will run out by the end of April. To ensure continued support for low-income families, Congress must pass the $7 billion Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. Despite widespread support from both parties, the bill has faced obstacles, particularly from House Republican leadership.

While the price tag may seem significant, it is essential to prioritize ensuring equal access to the internet for all segments of society. The consequences of denying millions of families internet access extend beyond the loss of paying customers for the industry.

The Ripple Effects

Denying internet access to low-income families has far-reaching implications:

• Difficulty in job applications and limited employment opportunities for those who need them the most.
• Negative impact on online shopping, a significant portion of the economy.
• Exclusion from the national town square, hindering access to news, communication, and socialization.

Take Action

Time is running out for Congress to prevent this disruption. Citizens who benefit from the ACP should contact their House and Senate members through www.congress.gov/contact-us to demand the passage of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. It is crucial to recognize the wider societal importance of this program.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries.
• Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.
• Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in: (a) pre-primary; (b) primary; (c) lower secondary; and (d) upper secondary education who have received at least the minimum organized teacher training (e.g. pedagogical training) pre-service or in-service required for teaching at the relevant level in a given country.
• Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment or training.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.a.1: Proportion of population living in cities that implement urban and regional development plans integrating population projections and resource needs, by size of city.
• Indicator 16.10.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: stltoday.com

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