COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Affordable Connectivity Program, launched in 2021 by the Federal Communications Commission, was created to help low-income households with a discount on broadband service.
But the funding for the program, which has helped nearly 23 million households, is expected to run out by April, leaving those who have benefited in South Carolina and elsewhere at risk of losing internet access.
Currently, 67% of South Carolinians have a fixed broadband subscription. But that percentage is said to increase to 80% by 2025 and 95% by 2025, according to a U.S. census survey.
To provide digital equity to South Carolinians once the program ends and help those with a fixed broadband subscription, the Digital Opportunity Department of the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) has recently submitted a five-year digital equity plan.
A statement from ORS breaks down its plan in further detail with goals to enhance broadband availability and affordability, online accessibility and inclusivity, digital literacy, privacy and cybersecurity, and device availability and affordability.
A spokesperson said the Digital Opportunity Department’s objective for digital equity within South Carolina is to provide all South Carolinians with access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet and to gain the necessary skills to benefit from this technology.
The department said the plan targets populations that have historically experienced lower rates of computer and internet use, including those with low incomes or people who are aging, rural residents, veterans, or disabled, are imparted by language barriers, or have been incarcerated.
ORS officials added that the Digital Opportunity Department is confident it can create opportunities for everyone in the state following the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The Federal Communications Commission strongly encourages households enrolled in the program to review written notices from their internet service providers and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the Affordable Connectivity Program administrator, about the program wind-down.