With a government program coming to an end, thousands of Oklahomans could lose access to inexpensive internet.
If they haven’t gotten letters already, over 350,000 homes in Oklahoma will shortly receive notices regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program’s termination. Now that it’s over, reasonably priced internet costs will go up.
“I always tell people one of the good things about COVID is it sheds a light on how important internet accessibility is for everybody,” Brian Whitacre, the chair of the Broadband Expansion Council, stated.
$14.2 billion was allocated for the Affordable Connectivity Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving millions of Americans access to reasonably priced internet.
“It was the first time we’ve had a national program that said we’ll help low-income people pay internet subscriptions,” Whitacre stated.
What does it mean for Oklahomans that the program will cease at the end of May?
“If people can’t afford high-speed internet, they won’t be able to use it,” Sean Voskuhl, the state director for AARP Oklahoma, stated.
The 50+ advocacy group AARP stated that having dependable internet is essential.
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“We know how high-speed internet strengthens communities but really seniors and people of all ages to connect in the communities, fight isolationism. People connect to job opportunities,” Voskuhl stated.
In an effort to bring attention to this problem and provide families with access to reasonably priced internet, AARP and Oklahoma’s Broadband Expansion Council are collaborating.
“What we’re as a council and office are trying to do is make people aware of the other options they have,” Whitacre stated. “There is a lifeline program that can help cover some of those costs, but it won’t be nearly the amount the ACP did.”
