MARYLAND – The federal program that provided discounts on internet access is nearing an end after Congress failed to renew funding for the Affordable Internet Access Program (ACP) as part of the latest budget.
The final payments are expected to go out in April, leaving an uncertain future for recipients, including up to 600,000 eligible households in Maryland.
These households were also eligible to receive an additional $15 on top of up to $40 in federal subsidies for internet access, but those subsidies are also about to end.
“We need a more sustainable approach to how we provide affordable access to voters, both with ACP and state subsidies. I mean, we see the need, and we see what it brings to our communities. We see the benefit, but how do we approach it in a more sustainable way?” said Ronnie Hammond, director of the Maryland office’s broadband bureau.
In a statement to 47ABC, Moore administration spokesperson Carter Elliott said:
“Republicans in Congress choose not to fund affordable connectivity programs that the Biden-Harris administration proudly championed and have provided internet to more than 200,000 Marylanders and 23 million Americans. It’s a shame that it’s happening. Governor Moore will continue to work with our partners across the state to overcome this obstacle that Congressional Republicans are posing for everyone.”
But Hammond said the state doesn’t have anything comparable, and what the alternative might look like.The 280,000 households currently using the program alone cost more than $2.5 million a month. It is said that it will take a while.
Ronnie Hammond told 47ABC that he won’t tell families who have relied on subsidies to wait a long time for alternative funding sources or programs, but it’s unclear when alternatives will begin. said.
But he is working with ISPs and local community groups to help the state identify need and connect those in need with alternative grants, and to get buy-in from ISPs to support 267 years of infrastructure development. He said he is considering partnering with the company. Millions of dollars across the state.
“Well, ISPs are going to receive funding from us. They need to have affordable plans. We need to be able to support households and communities through digital skills training and digital skills training, including getting information about programs that are in place and programs that are being implemented by the state government,” Hammond said.
The Somerset County School District said in a statement that to this day, a lack of internet access is the reason it has not been able to conduct live online learning.
