National Urban League Joins Biden-Harrris Adminmistration in Promoting New Affordable Connectivity Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2022) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial released the following statement following the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement that it secured commitments from internet service providers to reduce prices and raise speeds for eligible households participating in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity program.

“We are pleased to join the Biden-Harris Administration to help build awareness around the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, a long-term benefit that will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households struggling to afford internet service. The $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to a $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet.

“The National Urban League has long fought for digital equity for all including in its Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion, which addresses gaps in access to broadband that prevent some segments of the population from benefiting from the digital economy and provides a comprehensive map for deploying broadband networks everywhere in the country, including in rural, suburban and urban America. We were a chief advocate for investments in broadband access for families in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $14 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program. We appreciate Congressional, the Biden-Harris Administration and the FCC’s leadership in providing this much-needed benefit to underserved families and look forward to working together to help close the digital divide.

“Enrollment for the Affordable Connectivity Program opened on December 31, 2021. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider. For more information on the Affordable Connectivity Program benefits, visit the Nation Urban League’s website. You can also visit www.getinternet.gov or www.ACPBenefit.org. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can also call 877-384-2575 toll free.”