Internet access in Philadelphia is not a given

Internet access is a necessity, yet we see a stark digital divide between households that can consistently afford high-quality broadband services and those that cannot. To address this divide, the Biden administration launched the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2021, a federal benefit program that helps U.S. households access or keep their internet.

Eligible households in Philadelphia can get an up to $30 monthly discount on broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. This program has been successful in addressing the digital divide, supporting over 21 million households nationwide in less than two years. However, funding for this vital program is set to run out by April 2024, if not sooner. This program must be extended.

Philadelphia has been at the forefront of advancing digital equity so that every resident has access to reliable internet, devices, and the digital skills needed to use these tools. The pandemic highlighted the extreme reality of the digital divide and its inequities. In response, the city launched PHLConnectED, an initiative that provided more than 23,100 free internet connections to households with school-age children, and created a digital navigator network so that Philadelphians could call a helpline and get support finding low-cost and free internet or devices.

Our city does not lack the infrastructure for broadband internet access, yet many residents can’t afford internet subscriptions, while others have very old or slow devices. In 2021, the city conducted a survey of Philadelphians and learned that more than 103,000 residents did not have internet access. In certain zip codes — including parts of Kensington, Brewerytown, and Strawberry Mansion — this number remains much higher.

Residents reported that discount connectivity programs make a difference; 17% of low-income households had internet service because of discount offers. What’s more, broadband adoption for Philadelphia households with school-age children increased by 21% between 2019 and 2021 because of discount programs. And now, more than 170,000 Philadelphia households are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

For many Philadelphians, digital access is transformational and means real economic advancement and civic engagement. One adult learner, who attended PHLConnectED-funded digital skills workshops, shared with his instructors how much the workshops helped him and his family. He found new employment by creating a résumé and applying for jobs online, while also connecting to his community by reading the news online daily. There are countless more stories across Philadelphia of residents whose lives have been changed by access to quality internet.

With the uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Connectivity Program’s future, Philadelphia families are at risk of losing the internet access that is critical to their livelihoods.

Earlier this fall, the city celebrated Digital Inclusion Week, with local community-based organizations, library branches, advocacy organizations, and Comcast promoting Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment. Today, Philadelphia households can visit getacp.org/phl to see if they’re eligible. They can also dial 211 to schedule an in-person or phone appointment with a digital navigator, who can help them complete their application.

When a bipartisan government passed legislation that included the Affordable Connectivity Program, it created a program that meets a strong need across rural and urban communities. If funding for the program lapses, we’ll roll back much of the progress that’s been made to connect households to broadband. The more than 170,000 Philadelphia households currently enrolled would not only lose their benefit but would also be at risk of losing their internet service if it is no longer affordable.

We are grateful to see the Biden administration take a leadership role in securing additional funding to continue this vital program and urge Congress to take action and finish up the job. If we want Philadelphians to thrive in the ever-evolving digital society, we need the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Ashley Pollard, digital inclusion manager, and Juliet Fink Yates, broadband and digital inclusion manager, work in the Office of Innovation and Technology for the city of Philadelphia. Together, they work with local partners to carry out the city’s Digital Equity Plan and improve digital access for Philadelphia residents.