FCC ends affordable internet program due to lack of funds | CNN Business
FCC ends affordable internet program due to lack of funds | CNN Business
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which helped low-income Americans get online, is no more.
Its fucked up.
"Republicsns, can you agree to extend this program?"
"Yes we can."
"Democrats, can you agree to extend this program?"
"Yes we can."
Great! A rare bipartisan support! And for a bill that will help out Americans that need it most! Now all thats left is to collectively vote to extend the funding! Democrats, would you like to go first?
"....."
Oh. Alright. Not a big deal. You're still saying you support it when it comes time to vote on the bill. Republicans! Maybe YOU'D like to go first?
"....."
Hmmm. You both agree, but neither wants to go first. But if nobody goes first, the funding just ends. Democrats? Maybe you???
"....."
Uhhhhhh, cutting it close guys. Republicans???
"....."
Dammit. This bill isn't reaching the floor, is it? Look, I know the trump stuff is the headline grabber, but maybe you just get together and slip this one through before lunch? Kinda like how the net neutrality bill just went through with no coverage. Look, neither of you will look weak, and you can both go back to your bases claiming credit for helping them. So, who's going first???
"......"
God dammit, my internet bill is going up, isn't it?
“The Affordable Connectivity Program filled an important gap that provider low-income programs, state and local affordability programs, and the Lifeline program cannot fully address,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a statement, referring to the name of another, similar FCC program that subsidizes wireless and home internet service. “The Commission is available to provide any assistance Congress may need to support funding the ACP in the future and stands ready to resume the program if additional funding is provided.”
Some US lawmakers proposed bipartisan legislation to extend the ACP in the months leading up to the deadline. But the bills languished in the face of inaction by Republican leaders who showed little interest in engaging with the issue. President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers have publicly blamed GOP leadership for allowing the ACP to end.
While your version jives with lemmy's "both sides" reactionary bullshit, reality is quite a bit different.
I wonder why you think the refusal to continue ACP funding was a bipartisan choice. Every report I've read about it over the past several months has indicated otherwise.
Edit: Is it just because the phrase "bipartisan legislation" appears in this article? If so, then I would suggest reading the whole article more carefully, and maybe following up with additional sources. It won't take long to see that one specific party is responsible for this program ending.
I like this version of the TL;DR.
I’m sure all the big players in the industry will step in with significantly reduced rates, knowing that so many people need the internet these days.
/s
Google was just like, "It's ending and your bill will revert to full price immediately." And it did. (But service has been great otherwise, so...) But I've read that other providers are offering some options and discounts, so that's nice.