Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the Regional Leadership Council, highlighted enhanced broadband access in the Third District as a result of the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure. Congresswoman Trahan published a report from the Regional Leadership Council that details the savings families in the Third District are experiencing through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

“Access to affordable, reliable broadband is vital for families to get ahead, for students to excel in school, and for all of us to stay connected to our loved ones. With the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and House Democrats recognized the pressing need to close the digital divide and enhance broadband access nationwide,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Here in the Third District, the Affordable Connectivity Program has already helped 27,000 families, reducing broadband costs by nearly $10 million annually. However, there are nearly 50,000 more eligible homes that have not yet enrolled, and I’m committed to connecting with families with the resources they qualify for.”

To help close the digital divide, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, which created the Emergency Broadband Benefit to provide affordable and accessible broadband access for low-income households. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law expanded this program with the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided expanded broadband access to help qualifying households save up to $30 a month on internet costs.

In Massachusetts’ Third District, the Affordable Connectivity Program has helped 27,000 households, reducing broadband costs in the district by roughly $9,720,000 annually. An additional estimated 47,000 households are eligible through the program, but have not yet enrolled. Approximately 84.9% of households in the district live in an area where an internet service provider is offering a no-cost plan to Affordable Connectivity Program participants.

The full report is available HERE.

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