Written by David Shepherdson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The White House plans another push in April to persuade Congress to extend an internet subsidy program for 23 million U.S. households weeks before funding runs out. Officials have revealed that there are.
The White House in October asked for $6 billion to extend the program through December 2024, but Congress has not provided the funding, potentially putting millions of households at risk of losing internet service. There is sex.
Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a letter to lawmakers that April will be the last time participants will receive the full subsidy, with a partial subsidy available in May. Stated.
Congress previously allocated $17 billion to help low-income households and people affected by COVID-19 gain broadband access through $30 monthly vouchers for internet service.
“We have gone too far to end this successful effort to promote internet access for all,” Rosenworcel said Tuesday. “Despite the broad scope of this assistance and the urgent need to continue this program to ensure that millions of households across the country do not lose essential internet access, additional funding remains available. Not assigned.”
The FCC froze new user registration on February 8th.
The White House says the plan, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program, will save users more than $500 million a month on their internet bills.
Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T are all asking Congress to extend the program.
A bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Peter Welch, J.D. Vance, Jacky Rosen, and Kevin Cramer would provide $7 billion for the program. A bill to provide funding for the program for one year has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is supported by 216 members.
The FCC cited research showing that more than three-quarters of households participating in the program would “experience service interruptions, have to change their existing plans or stop service altogether” if the program were to end. did.
(Reporting by David Shepherdson; Editing by Sonali Paul)
