Millions could pay more for internet access after government program expires

Millions of Americans Face Tough Decision on Internet Access

Around 20 million Americans are currently grappling with a difficult choice: either pay a higher internet bill or disconnect from their service provider. This issue highlights the critical importance of ensuring access to high-speed internet, which has become an essential requirement for modern life in America.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and its Impact

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative aimed at helping financially struggling Americans afford internet access, has run out of funding. This situation calls for immediate action from Congress to address the issue.

According to Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), the ACP has made a significant difference in the lives of many Americans. Recognizing the program’s positive impact, Senator Welch, along with Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), has introduced a bill to extend the ACP. This extension is crucial for enabling individuals to work from home and ensuring that students can complete their homework effectively.

The Urgency for Continued Support

As the program’s funding expired at the beginning of the month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a partial extension with a reduced discount for the month of May. However, no further extensions have been confirmed.

Senator Vance emphasizes the need to find a solution that allows people in Ohio to continue accessing affordable internet services. Meanwhile, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) supports an extension of the program through the end of the year. This proposed extension would provide $7 billion in funding and has garnered broad bipartisan support. Efforts are underway to include it in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill currently being negotiated.

Balancing Necessity with Accountability

While acknowledging the necessity of the program, Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) emphasizes the importance of avoiding cases of fraud or mismanagement. He emphasizes the need to ensure that taxpayer dollars allocated to support the program are spent wisely.

A Path Forward

Senator Welch assures that during the extension period, Congress will work towards further improving the Affordable Connectivity Program. This commitment reflects the ongoing efforts to address the digital divide and promote equitable access to high-speed internet for all Americans.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

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

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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

• SDG 9.3: Increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries
• SDG 4.c: By 2030, substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries
• SDG 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

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

• Indicator for SDG 9.3: Percentage of individuals using the internet
• Indicator for SDG 4.c: Number of qualified teachers in developing countries
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Access to affordable internet for all individuals

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article highlights the issue of affordable internet access and its importance in modern America. This connects to SDG 9, which aims to increase access to ICT and provide universal and affordable access to the internet. The specific target under SDG 9 that can be identified is Target 9.3, which focuses on increasing internet access in least developed countries. The indicator mentioned in the article that can measure progress towards this target is the percentage of individuals using the internet.

The article also mentions the need for internet access for education purposes, specifically for working from home and doing homework. This relates to SDG 4, which aims to ensure quality education for all. The specific target under SDG 4 that can be identified is Target 4.c, which focuses on increasing the supply of qualified teachers, including through international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries. The indicator mentioned in the article that can measure progress towards this target is the number of qualified teachers in developing countries.

Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of ensuring access to affordable internet for all individuals, highlighting the issue of inequality. This aligns with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities. The specific target under SDG 10 that can be identified is Target 10.2, which focuses on promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals. The indicator mentioned in the article that can measure progress towards this target is access to affordable internet for all individuals.

Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.

Fuente: wane.com

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