Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

Politics
posted by Fnord666 on Saturday March 06 2021, @02:22PM   Printer-friendly

FCC approves $50 monthly internet subsidies for low-income households during pandemic:

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved final rules for a new broadband subsidy program that could help struggling families pay for internet service during the pandemic.

The agency's $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides eligible low-income households with up to a $50 per month credit on their internet bills through their provider until the end of the pandemic. In tribal areas, eligible households may receive up to $75 per month. The program also provides eligible households up to $100 off of one computer or tablet.

The congressionally created program is aimed at closing the digital divide, which has become painfully apparent over the past year as millions of Americans have been forced to work and learn remotely. Some have also raised concerns that the digital divide could affect access to the vaccine as signups typically happen online.

[...] Last year, Congress passed a coronavirus relief package that contained provisions for the FCC's new program. And the FCC has established a fresh task force this year to improve the data it collects on broadband availability, which could ultimately help the agency better target its efforts to close the gap.

[...] "This is a program that will help those at risk of digital disconnection," Rosenworcel said in a statement. "It will help those sitting in cars in parking lots just to catch a Wi-Fi signal to go online for work. It will help those lingering outside the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for remote learning. It will help those who worry about choosing between paying a broadband bill and paying rent or buying groceries."


Original Submission

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
  • (Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday March 06 2021, @06:11PM (2 children)

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday March 06 2021, @06:11PM (#1120849)
    Race is a lie. We’re all humans. Classifying humans as different races based on skin colour is as stupid as classifying cats or dogs as different races based on fur colour, or classifying cars based on paint colour.

    Racist customer: I want a white car.
    Salesdroid: what kind of car?
    Racist customer: a white one.
    Salesdroid: but what kind of white one?
    Racist customer; there’s only one kind of white car. It’s white. Don’t give me any of your politically correct bs about how black cars are the same as white cars.

    Starting Score:    0  points
    Moderation   +1  
       Interesting=1, Total=1
    Extra 'Interesting' Modifier   0  

    Total Score:   1  
  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday March 07 2021, @12:07AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday March 07 2021, @12:07AM (#1120898)

    Now if only you could educate the racists about reality. Let me know if you have any luck.

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday March 08 2021, @10:04AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday March 08 2021, @10:04AM (#1121348)

    Black cars heat up much faster and to a higher temperature if parked in the sunlight on a hot day. Not caring what type of car as long as it is white could be quite rational.