New 3efforts are 4underway to stop internet prices from 5surging next month for nearly 23 million American households. The affordable 6connectivity program is almost out of money. Now the 7FCC is set to 8cut 9subsidies by more than half in May without new funding, later they'll be gone.
"From education, to employment, to scheduling healthcare appointments, to access to health services, everyone deserves affordable internet access."
Some 10lawmakers are increasing their push to keep funding the program. A 11bipartisan Senate bill to give it $7 billion has five 12co-sponsorsafter two joined yesterday. A House plan has majority support in the chamber, but it's unclear if Speaker Mike Johnson will bring it to the floor. House Republicans are pushing to 13rein in government spending, and the program is leftover from the pandemic.
"High-speed internet isn't a luxury anymore. It's an absolute necessity."
The Biden administration is trying to help consumers understand provider fees with a new regulation 14unveiled yesterday.
"A lot of times there's hidden fees, things like data 15caps or throttling, or you have to pay more for data."
The FCC now requires internet providers to use what looks like a nutrition label. It shows plan details like fees and services.
"The hope is that if it's more 16transparent, you can make a better choice as a consumer."