Editorial: Internet accessibility shouldn't be a bait-and-switch

How is a new government program like a special rate from your cable company or cellphone provider?

It can expire, leaving you with a bill you didn’t anticipate.

For low-income households who were given access to broadband internet through federal investment, the special offer could be about to end.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It put $14.2 billion toward affordable internet access, linking the homes and devices of families who couldn’t afford it.

It was timely and necessary during the coronavirus pandemic because many people worked or attended school remotely. It is just as important outside of that global emergency, as internet access has become an indispensable network to participate in almost every public service.

But internet is not cheap. Consumer Reports puts the average cost of connection at $75 per month. Depending upon the area and the variety of service, it can be much higher. The Affordable Connectivity Program cuts up to $30 off that cost.

There were $200 million in grants awarded to providers in Pennsylvania in April, with 70% going to Verizon companies or Comcast. Another $1.1 billion to broadband companies is anticipated over the next two years.

However, because of a lack of congressional action by January, the discounts to actual households are due to stop. New enrollments were frozen, and the Federal Communications Commission issued an order to “wind down” the program.

According to a Spotlight PA story, there are efforts to get new federal funding for the program, but that is unlikely to come before low-income households are surprised by sudden increases in their bills.

New legislation has bipartisan support, but, as with many things that depend upon Congress, it is languishing.

What it sets up is a situation in which people cease to trust their government in the same way they can be resentful of a service provider that lures customers with a low introductory rate and then balloons the cost later.

Government agencies were not wrong when selling the importance of internet connection, especially for low-income families who could use it to access necessary services, go to school or work. But hooking them on the benefits only to have it swept away by government inaction is cruel.