Topic: Digital Divide

The Affordable Connectivity Program Needs a Lifeline

Today brings unfortunate news. Because of dwindling funds in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the FCC has directed ISPs to stop accepting new customers under the program. It means that, for the moment, households otherwise eligible for ACP will be unable to sign up for the program. And, if Congress fails to appropriate new funds, the program will collapse possibly causing millions of families to lose broadband service they have come to rely on. We continue to be optimistic that Congress can still throw this valuable program a lifeline. ACP’s impact: This program has been wildly

Broadband Stats: Working to Extend Digital Inclusion

Expanding digital inclusion is a complex challenge that requires a suite of solutions. Digital literacy programs, technology donations, and affordable internet plans are some ways America’s cable broadband industry continues to work to solve this issue. The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal subsidy, is also playing a key role in achieving this goal.

The Cable Industry's Ongoing Commitment to Digital Inclusion

Digital Inclusion Week, spearheaded by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure that all people have access to high-speed internet connectivity. In honor of the week, here are a few ways that the cable industry continually works towards bringing broadband access to as many people as possible through investments, buildouts, partnerships, community programs, and through its long-term commitment to digital inclusion for all. Expanding Infrastructure One of the primary ways cable providers contribute to digital inclusion is by continuously

The Impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program

The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a monthly subsidy to eligible, low-income households to connect to broadband service, has been instrumental in getting broadband to more American homes and to advancing digital equity. Here are a few ways that it’s making a difference in getting broadband to those people who need it most. ACP's Reach To date, ACP has helped connect more than 18 million households to the internet across all ages and across all 50 states. All major cable broadband providers, including Charter, Comcast, Cox, GCI, Mediacom, Midco, and Vyve all promote

Connecting America's Seniors

Older Americans Month is a time to honor the contributions and hard work of America's senior citizens, and while May wraps up today, the cable industry targets efforts to reach and engage this important population throughout every month of the year. Why It Matters Through broadband adoption programs, cable providers work to empower seniors with the means to connect, learn, access resources, and engage in various online activities that enhance their quality of life. These programs are crucial in reducing the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion among older adults. Broadband Adoption

Realigning Government Support Programs to Bring Broadband to All

The job of connecting every American to robust broadband service is a daunting task. It takes a combination of broadband providers building out networks in every state, including in rural and hard-to-reach areas, using private capital investments. Public-private partnerships that maximize the funding available for connecting remote areas is also critical. But with a historic amount of federal funds now allocated for achieving universal connectivity – over $165 billion going towards building ‘futureproof’ broadband networks to unserved and underserved areas and to support broadband adoption —

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

As the United States continues to tackle the digital divide, the challenge involves much more than installing internet service—which is just one component of a holistic and much bigger issue. More Than Just Access: While giving every American household the opportunity to gain access to the internet is critical, another barrier to broadband adoption often overlooked is the lack of digital skills in the workforce. Because if people don't possess the necessary digital skills to navigate the internet, access alone won’t open doors or unleash the limitless opportunities that broadband can provide

Why It Matters: The Affordable Connectivity Program

As the nation continues efforts to connect more people to high-speed internet, one big step forward worth examining is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program is helping to remove some of the barriers that impede low-income Americans from getting broadband at home—a testament to America's commitment to increasing broadband adoption and advancing digital equity. And as more initiatives and partnerships launch to support the ACP, it's important to understand why the program is so critical to closing the digital divide. What Is the ACP? In short, the ACP offers government

Comcast's Partnerships in Tacoma Are Advancing Digital Equity

As the U.S. continues the important task of connecting more Americans to high-speed broadband this year, the past few years have demonstrated that public-private partnerships are a critical and successful tactic for closing the digital divide. A model that communities can emulate started in Tacoma, Washington, where Comcast has long partnered with the City of Tacoma, the Tacoma-Pierce Chamber, and local, nonprofit organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound. The company’s latest investment in the region came last fall, when Comcast announced $300,000 in awards to