The Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided up to $30 per month for broadband service for low-income and eligible households, ran out of funds earlier this summer. Barbara Caporale, a 67-year-old resident of New York City, was one of the approximately 1 million households in the city that benefited from this program. Caporale emphasized the importance of internet access in her daily life, using it for activities like virtual job fairs and online communication with essential services.
After the program’s funds were depleted, many New York State households, including those in the five boroughs, were left without the subsidy they relied on to pay for internet services. Efforts to extend the program through bipartisan support have not been successful, leaving former recipients like Caporale searching for alternative ways to cover their Wi-Fi bills and avoid the digital divide.
New York City, particularly its low-income communities, greatly benefited from the Affordable Connectivity Program. Brooklyn had the highest number of enrolled participants, followed by the Bronx, which had the highest concentration of enrollees. The program successfully bridged the digital divide, as evidenced by the increase in home broadband access in neighborhoods like East Harlem.
Larissa Larrier, a digital navigator at Brooklyn Public Library, highlighted the positive impact of the program, stating that internet access at home is as essential as having water in one’s pipes. The program’s eligibility criteria allowed a diverse group of beneficiaries, including those earning less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level and recipients of government assistance programs.
Caporale shared her personal experience of struggling to pay her internet bill before receiving the subsidy and expressed concern about facing the same financial challenges now that the program has ended. Despite health issues limiting her ability to work, she remains optimistic about finding part-time jobs online to make ends meet.
Congressman Dan Goldman’s constituents, like Caporale, have voiced their support for continuing the program, but partisan differences have stalled its extension. While Republican and Democrat representatives support the program’s renewal, disagreements exist regarding the program’s scope and funding sources. Congressman Williams introduced a bill aimed at improving the program without additional taxpayer burden, while Congresswoman Clarke proposed an extension act with continued eligibility criteria.
The future of the Affordable Connectivity Program remains uncertain, with the need for compromise among elected officials. Congressman Goldman urged the public to pressure Republican members of Congress to take action on the bill. As discussions continue, many individuals like Caporale are left navigating the challenges of accessing affordable internet services in an increasingly digital world.