The federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has helped millions of Americans gain access to the internet, is set to expire at the end of April. Funding for the program is crucial for low-income households, as it provides subsidies that enable them to connect to the internet. Experts like Ahmed Banafa, a professor and technology expert at San Jose State University, emphasize the critical nature of internet access in today’s society and advocate for the continuation of the program.
Among those who could be significantly impacted by the potential expiration of the ACP are students, particularly in underserved communities. Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has greatly benefited from the program, seeing a surge in home internet access for its students from 12% to 98%. John Sasaki, a spokesperson for OUSD, notes that the ACP was instrumental in facilitating remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students like Allen Clayborn have also found the program to be invaluable, as it allowed them to complete schoolwork in areas with limited internet connectivity. Without the ACP, Sasaki worries that students’ ability to connect to the internet outside the classroom will be severely hindered, potentially limiting their access to education.
Banafa stresses the long-term value of the ACP, emphasizing that it is an investment in the future by providing equal access to education and opportunities for all, regardless of their financial situation.
The potential expiration of the ACP is a matter of concern for millions of Californians who rely on it for internet access. Advocacy efforts are underway to raise awareness and urge policymakers to extend funding for the program, recognizing its vital role in bridging the digital divide and fostering equity in education and society.
