Prince George’s County libraries in Maryland have received a $500,000 grant in March for an affordable internet access program. The grant, provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to identify and connect eligible households with a $30 monthly discount for broadband home internet. Similar grants have also been awarded to libraries in New Jersey, Nashville, and New York.
After months of recruitment, program development, and identifying eligible individuals, the grant beneficiaries have gained momentum. However, instead of continuing this momentum into the new year, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and other grant recipients are facing a different question from eligible program participants.
Instead of the anticipated enthusiasm, library staff is being asked, “Why enroll in a program that may only last a few months?” When internet providers notify households that the program is ending, this question will no longer be asked. It will be replaced by the assumption that the funding will not be extended, and receiving a $30 discount for a few months is simply not worth the effort. And they are not wrong.
If Congress allows the expiration of this program, it consciously chooses to jeopardize the best chance of bridging the digital divide and providing true internet access for all. The grants for the “affordable” internet access program are in effect until June 2025, but the lack of leadership from Congress means our work may end prematurely. And we are not alone in this.
Over 185 other organizations from 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands have collectively received $66 million to reach their communities, informing residents about the program, and conducting outreach events to immediately enroll them in the discount. Most likely, the majority of these 185 beneficiaries are fully operational and capable of identifying and enrolling individuals who are genuinely disconnected from the internet – a significant subset of Americans who are part of the broadband access gap. Think about your neighbors who need assistance in acquiring the digital skills required to use the internet. This is just one of the many factors that hinder the most vulnerable members of our communities from accessing the internet.
The funding for the affordable internet access program will expire in a few months at the latest, in May. Congress is aware of this. The media is aware of this. The 185 entities receiving the information program grants are aware of this. And more and more, the individuals invited to registration events at PGCMLS are becoming aware of this.
It has become fashionable for Congress to wait until the last minute – or even longer – before taking action. It is increasingly common for the desire to achieve partisan “victory” to outweigh the extension of a program that helped connect people in nearly 23 million American households to high-speed broadband internet – and could help even more people.
Waiting for the extension of funding for the affordable internet access program undermines the commitment of every elected official to bridge the digital divide and directly undermines the efforts of all 185 grant beneficiaries in fulfilling their obligations to the community.
Prince George’s County Memorial Library System applied for the information program grant last year because the library’s mission is “creating relationships that support discovery by providing equal access to opportunities and experiences.” And in 2024, equal access to opportunities and experiences cannot and should not happen without equal access to high-speed internet, which is essential for learning, job searching, and becoming the best community members.
“Equal access” is not just a catchy slogan on a website; it is the daily commitment of library staff to those who utilize all of our communities. And it is also the commitment of 184 other organizations throughout the country – both in Republican and Democratic states – to ensure economic access to broadband internet at home.
It is time for Congress to show similar commitment and extend the funding for the affordable internet access program. Maintaining positive internet connectivity for Americans increases their chances of utilizing digital and economic opportunities. Congress, do not squander this opportunity.
FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. What is the affordable internet access program?
The affordable internet access program is an initiative aimed at providing home broadband internet at an affordable price for eligible individuals. Through this program, residents can receive a $30 monthly discount on their internet bills.
2. What is the purpose of the grant awarded to libraries in Prince George’s County?
The grant awarded to libraries in Prince George’s County by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aims to identify and connect individuals living in eligible households with the affordable internet access program. The grant allows libraries to inform residents about the program and assist them in registration.
3. When will the affordable internet access program come to an end?
The affordable internet access program is effective until June 2025, but there are concerns that its funding may not be extended. Currently, there is a lack of leadership from Congress in this regard, which raises questions about the future of the program.
4. How many fully operational beneficiaries are there in the program?
Currently, there are over 185 organizations in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands that have received grants for the affordable internet access program. These organizations are fully operational and can assist in identifying and enrolling individuals in need of internet access.
5. What is the significance of the affordable internet access program?
The affordable internet access program is crucial in addressing the digital divide and ensuring equal access to the internet for all. It provides opportunities for digital and economic participation for the most vulnerable members of our communities.
6. What can be done to support the affordable internet access program?
It is important to express support for the affordable internet access program and urge Congress to extend its funding. Citizen actions can help increase the chances of maintaining internet connectivity for Americans.
Suggested related links to the main domain (not specific pages):
– Prince George’s County Memorial Library System: http://www.pgcmls.info/
– Federal Communications Commission: https://www.fcc.gov/
The source of the article is from the blog newyorkpostgazette.com