Congrats to City of Oakland for a $15M grant from CA's Federal Funding Account to build a city-owned, open fiber network. This will connect 14 community anchor institutions + 9 public safety buildings, expanding high-speed internet to underserved areas. More at: bit.ly/3AySmrf

A 2023 survey by Public Library Association found that nearly 30% of libraries offer a digital navigator program. This support and a broadband benefit to assist households who cannot afford to connect could greatly reduce the digital divide. bit.ly/3AlVLtn #PermanentBroadbandBenefit

What's the ideal $ amount for a future broadband benefit? JohnBHorrigan explains what a Benton Institute for Broadband & Society survey found bit.ly/4c4Fu9x

On July 31, the Senate Commerce Committee amended the PLAN for Broadband Act to include $7B for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The amendment modifies the program, including narrowing eligibility. We encourage lawmakers to pass an extension before the end of the year.

How many households can your state connect to home internet through a Free Apartment Wi-Fi program? Check out our dashboard for a breakdown of the opportunity in your state > bit.ly/3X7nozJ

#WithBroadband, households can connect to family and friends near and far via messaging and video chat. Unfortunately, millions of U.S. households can't afford to connect to home internet and are left offline, unable to connect with loved ones. #MakeBroadbandAffordable

A $14.6M federal grant will help expand affordable internet to underserved areas in Chicago’s South and West Sides. Through this funding, our partners at The QUILT Corporation are working with ComEd to bridge the digital divide. bwnews.pr/3MBL09m

“With over 130 broadband programs being funded across fifteen agencies in the federal government," said Rep. August Pfluger, "the PROTOCOL Act is necessary to ensure that broadband infrastructure awards are reaching communities who desperately need access. bit.ly/4ecwMrm

#WithBroadband, households can access telehealth services without leaving their home. Unfortunately, millions of U.S. households can't afford to connect to home internet and are left offline, unable to access vital health resources. #MakeBroadbandAffordable

The Harsh Reality for the 23 Million Americans Hit by the End of ACP Support cnet.com/home/internet/… via CNET

The end of the #AffordableConnectivityProgram leaves 23M low-income households facing up to $75 monthly increases for the internet. Many must choose between cutting services or tightening already strained budgets. More at cnet.co/3MHEwWk

#WithBroadband, job seekers can search, apply, and interview for career opportunities that can only be accessed online. Unfortunately, millions of U.S. households can't afford to connect to home internet and are left offline, unable to apply. #MakeBroadbandAffordable

Home internet access is a health equity issue. With high-speed internet, patients can access telehealth to see a healthcare professional. Telehealth provides convenient options for patients with limited mobility or transportation challenges.

#WithBroadband, students can access virtual learning resources and complete their homework. Unfortunately, millions of U.S. households can't afford to connect to home internet and are left offline, unable to explore educational opportunities. #MakeBroadbandAffordable

BEAD Program Update: @NTIA_gov has reported on its progress to date in a press release ✅ Approved 48 Initial Proposals ✅ $20+ billion in BEAD funding to states and territories ✅ Met or exceeded all statutory deadlines Read more at bit.ly/3TsX8xo

Without ACP, states agencies have to rethink how to ensure networks built with programs like BEAD are affordable to residents. Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Sr Fellow @GigiBSohn & @PewTrusts's Jake Varn talk broadband affordability on FierceTelecom's The Five Nine podcast bit.ly/47nAITT

#WithBroadband, households can go online to pay bills, access banking, and request appointments. Unfortunately, millions of U.S. households can't afford to connect to home internet and are left offline, unable to manage day-to-day needs. #MakeBroadbandAffordable

"The digital divide is not just about technology; it’s about equity. Low-income families, particularly those in affordable housing, are disproportionately affected by lack of internet access, deepening social and economic inequality." -Michelle H. Norris bit.ly/3TuAqov

Home broadband means access to telehealth, remote jobs, and online education. Yet many U.S. veterans are offline because they can’t afford to connect. The Pew Trusts spoke to Americans who have faced challenges accessing the internet in their daily lives bit.ly/3Yo3HVa

#WithBroadband, job seekers can access professional development courses to assist with their career advancement. Unfortunately, millions of U.S. households can't afford to connect to home internet and are left offline, unable to develop workforce skills. #MakeBroadbandAffordable