February 20, 2024 6:31 PM • Last updated: February 20, 2024 6:31 PM
EAST LYME — Three years ago, as the nation was in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress made a decision on what a local man called “a level playing field” when it comes to access to the internet. ”, we approved a budget of $14.2 billion to ensure everyone has peace of mind.
The current Affordable Connections program is coming to an end soon.
Sam Grillo, a resident of the AHEPA Luxury Apartments on Roxbury Road, stood flanked by U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney at the East Lyme Public Library on Tuesday and spoke about the program, which provides free or low-cost internet service. He called on lawmakers to extend the deadline.・Households with income.
Unless Congress acts, the program that currently brings 23 million American households online is expected to run out of funding in April. The program stopped accepting new applications earlier this month.
The program provides up to $30 per month for internet service to households with incomes less than $29,160 and up to $75 per month to households living on eligible tribal lands, including the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Reservations. will be paid.
“For seniors like me, the Internet is more than just an entertainment and information tool,” Grillo said. “This is a gateway to a world full of opportunity.”
Grillo said necessity is now more important than convenience, and a reliable internet provider is “a lifeline for staying connected to loved ones, accessing health care services, and staying engaged in the community.” ” he said.
Courtney acknowledged that “there are many more people who don’t realize it but could benefit from it.”
The 2022 U.S. Census found 90 million households in the qualifying income range.
Look at the numbers
185,922: Households participating in the program in Connecticut
$5.1 million: Monthly cost of program in Connecticut
1 in 9: Participating households in eastern Connecticut
Based on data provided by the White House as of February.
Courtney said the program began at a time when internet access was essential to staying connected during the public health emergency. But even after the pandemic ends, the nation’s dependence on the internet remains, with the internet becoming a place for many people to work, learn and receive medical care.
AHEPA resident Deb Delaney emphasized that the need for this program still exists.
“We cannot be separated from it, because then we would be separated from each other,” she said.
Courtney expressed optimism that the extension would receive bipartisan support if it could get past the “noise” in Washington and get a hearing in Congress.
In October, the Biden-Harris administration sent Congress a request for an additional $6 billion to expand funding for affordable connectivity programs. In January, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill that would provide $7 billion to extend the program.
Courtney said part of the program included working with internet providers to help them offer basic packages for less than $30 a month.
Brad Palazzo, Comcast’s director of community impact in Western New England, said the company is offering basic service for $9.95 per month and a double-speed enhancement package for $29.95 per month.
Since 2011, the basic package has provided internet service to 72,000 households, he said.
The company is also funding programs at the Easter Seals Veterans Gathering Point in Norwich, which include helping customers learn how to use technology to access veteran benefits and job opportunities. It also includes the establishment of a computer/media lab that can be used.
Ellen Paul, executive director of the Connecticut Library Consortium, said libraries have long been at the forefront of free internet access. Over the past quarter century, community hubs have evolved from offering desktop computers to offering laptop devices and mobile hotspots, allowing patrons to “bring the internet home,” she said.
“But then the pandemic happened and the world really changed in an instant,” she said. “We knew the internet was important, we knew technology was important, and then all of a sudden it exploded.”
The East Lyme Public Library initially installed two mobile hotspots for residents, but realized it needed at least six to meet demand, said Deputy Director Christopher Larson. states. “And that’s probably still not enough.”
Barbara Tasca was part of the AHEPA delegation advocating for increased funding. She said internet access could be a solution to the problem of social isolation among older people.
Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued recommendations identifying social isolation as a public health concern that threatens people’s physical and mental health.
“Many people can’t go out, but if they have access to things like the internet, they can still communicate,” Tasca said. “They can find out what’s going on in the world.”
e.regan@theday.com
