Do you know how the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended last year? Three million Californians lost federal internet support because of it. Assemblymember Tasha Boerner introduced Assembly Bill 353 to help those households get back on their feet. AB 353 requires all internet service providers to offer affordable service plans.
A 2024 survey conducted by the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society sheds light on the hurdles that low-income households encounter when it comes to accessing the Internet. It reveals that more than half of these families find it tough to keep up with their monthly internet bills, with 53% facing real challenges in making their payments. Furthermore, 43% of low-income households fall into the “subscription vulnerable” category, which means they live at or near the poverty line, have experienced disconnections due to struggles with payments, or feel significant worries about being able to afford their internet service.
The expiration of the ACP has created real challenges for many families, leaving them without the financial support they once depended on to stay connected. AB 353 is here to help by ensuring that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer affordable options for all Californians, promoting digital equity and inclusion. Assemblymember Boerner’s initiative shows an increasing awareness of how important internet access is in our everyday lives, affecting education, healthcare, job opportunities, and civic engagement. By requiring affordable internet plans, AB 353 aims to close the digital divide, ensuring everyone can fully participate in the digital economy.
I wrote a post about Assembly Bill 353. The bill would address a bigger problem, the availability of the internet, on the state level, so I wanted to look at that issue. It also looks at what might happen if the bill becomes law. In conclusion, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner’s introduction of AB 353 represents a significant step toward ensuring that all Californians can access affordable internet services. By addressing the financial barriers many households face, this legislation aims to promote greater digital equity and empower residents to engage fully in today’s interconnected world.