Illinois Congresswoman Bustos Joins President Biden to Announce Lower Internet Service Costs for Low-Income Americans
Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) joined President Joe Biden at the White House to announce a new agreement between the Administration and internet providers to offer high-speed internet service to tens of millions of American families.
“As we do the hard work of ensuring that broadband cables reach every home in America, we’ve also got to make sure that families can afford the internet bill,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “I was thrilled to join President Biden at the White House today to announce that low-income Americans will have access to high-speed internet for $30 a month or less. This is a monumental step in reducing everyday costs for American families and improving access to the infrastructure of the 21st century.”
Cheri Bustos
As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Vice President Harris worked across the aisle with Democrats and Republicans to create the Affordable Connectivity Program, which allows tens of millions of American households to reduce their internet service costs by up to $30 a month. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that they have secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to either increase speeds or cut prices, making sure they all offer eligible households high-speed, high-quality internet plans for no more than $30 a month. These providers cover more than 80% of the U.S. population across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
From large providers like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon serving dozens of states, to smaller providers serving rural areas like Jo-Carroll Energy, Mediacom and Oneida Telephone Exchange in Illinois, these commitments will allow tens of millions of eligible households to receive high-speed internet at no or reduced cost.
A fact sheet from the White House on this announcement can be found here. Applications for the Affordable Connectivity Program can be completed here.
