Needy families to receive subsidy on internet bills in the US

With the Covid-19 pandemic, many families in the US have struggled to pay their electricity, internet, and rent bills, so it's only fair that the government offers a subsidy. In a vote today (February 26), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a program that provides discounts of up to $02 on internet services to needy American families.

According to the report of the The New York Times, this program also provides up to $75 monthly to Native American families and a one-time discount of up to $100 on the purchase of a tablet or computer. The biggest concern for telecommunications policymakers is the digital divide (affecting rural areas and low-income families), which has been a major problem in the country, where more than $8 billion in federal funds are allocated annually to address it. It is worth noting that, according to an FCC report, at least 14,5 million people in the country lack broadband.

In a statement, Jessica Rosenworcel (Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission) said, "This is a program that will help those at risk of digital disconnection. It will help those sitting in a parking lot just to get a Wi-Fi signal to get online for work. It will help those who are outside the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for remote learning."

The current chair of the U.S. commission also confirms that the internet subsidy will be available within 60 days. This emergency program will use approximately $3,2 billion, which was allocated at the end of 2020 by Congress for the relief bill. Covid-19, which includes bringing internet to the most underserved homes in the United States.

Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. The Verge

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