The White House once again is urging Congress to extend the funding for the internet subsidy program or risk millions of Americans losing access to "affordable high-speed internet."
In a fact sheet released on Tuesday, the White House renewed its call for the approval of the proposed $6 billion fund to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program.
New applications for the program are set to close on Feb. 7, as the Federal Communications Commission expects the existing funds to run out by April.
The internet subsidies are estimated to benefit at least 23 million households across the US, or one in every six households, helping them save $30 to $75 each month from their internet bills.
Biden: Internet Connection is as Necessary as Water Access
One of the prominent advocates of the extended FCC fund has been US President Joe Biden who was campaigning for affordable high-speed internet as part of his "Investing in America" initiative.
Biden's senior adviser Tom Perez said the President likened the Americans' access to the internet as "an essential public necessity" similar to water.
Fast internet speeds are among the campaign promises Biden has made as he aims for a consecutive term this coming presidential election.
If the president succeeds with his petition, Biden gains an additional accomplishment he can clash with his biggest rival, former President Donald Trump, who boasts about his economic war with China.
Internet Bills Continue to Increase
The White House's petition comes in as more internet service providers announced that they will be increasing service fees for both basic and high-speed internet connections.
In a study published in 2023, Americans pay about 40% more than other countries enjoying comparable much higher internet speeds. On average, a US household is estimated to pay $114 a month.
This coincides with broadband price watchdog Cable's findings where the US is ranked 135th, one of the most expensive internet bills from Western nations.
It does not that many areas only have one or two internet service providers available, making it more difficult to access affordable internet.
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