On Tuesday, February 16th, ADvancing States submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission regarding the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund that was created by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This benefit program appropriated $3.2 billion to assist certain low-income households with the purchase of broadband internet service as well as an internet-capable device. In the comments, ADvancing States stresses the specific needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Among other recommendations, the letter encourages the FCC to partner with the aging and disability networks to ensure that older adults and individuals with disabilities are able to access this important benefit.
The ADvancing States letter is available here.
More information about the Broadband Benefit Program is available here: https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit