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Dear Editor:
It’s not hard to understand why a program that connects lower income Hoosiers to the internet has improved their quality of life.
Without access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet – and the digital skills needed to use it – too many older Hoosiers are not able to fully participate in today’s economy. They risk missing out on opportunities like online learning, accessing important services, and keeping social connections crucial to their well-being. They can’t shop online for essentials like groceries and may not be able to virtually see their doctors or health care specialists, who may be located miles away.
Unfortunately, the lack of accessible and affordable high-speed internet also serves as a barrier for many who find themselves increasingly isolated and without many options for maintaining these vital connections.
That’s why AARP fought for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program designed to help eliminate some of the financial barriers to high-speed internet access. The ACP provides internet discounts of up to $30 a month for qualifying households, or up to $75 for those living on tribal lands. Right now, almost 426,000 Indiana households receive a discount on their internet bill thanks to the ACP, and nearly 40 percent of those households are aged 50 and older.
But now this important program is in jeopardy. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and internet service providers are already beginning to wind down the program by contacting enrollees. The good news is there is bipartisan support for extending the ACP. But unless Congress acts now to continue funding for the ACP, it will run out of funding in April 2024. Those who are currently enrolled in the program will no longer receive a discount on their internet bill.
Time is running out to protect hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers from losing their internet access. Without this program, many lower income residents will lose their Internet access and be cut off from jobs, medical appointments, friends, and family.
That’s why AARP is urging Congress to support the bipartisan bills to fund the ACP and help adults aged 50 and older access affordable and reliable high-speed internet.
Residents who are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program now are encouraged to contact their internet service providers or call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575 to learn more about how this could affect them.
Visit aarp.org/ACP for more information.
Linda Dunno
AARP Indiana State President