A video featuring Roberto Gallardo, director for the Purdue Center for Regional Development and an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, has been uploaded to the AP Video Hub.
In the video, Gallardo explains how the partnership will benefit urban and rural areas and what still needs to be done for the future of internet accessibility. All videos in the Campus Insights series are free for download and use by all AP members and can be found at apvideohub.ap.org or by doing a general search on the Associated Press site. AP members may use the video or to pull quotes for print article or for broadcast or podcast.
The Biden administration recently announced a partnership with internet providers known as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program pledges to offer reduced rates for quality internet for low-income Americans.
Gallardo says the ACP is a step in the right direction for rural and urban communities but says there is no use in creating a high-quality network if people cannot afford to use it. Gallardo says studies show the cost of internet in the U.S. ranges from $70 to $120 per month. This program provides a $30 stipend to assist customers with the cost of internet, with some companies pledging to offer a $30 internet plan. Gallardo says missing from the ACP are funds to help nonprofits market and explain the program. The people who need this program tend to not trust information coming from the government. These communities trust the nonprofits they work with, and Gallardo says this would be a great step toward spreading awareness of the ACP.
Categories: Indiana, Education, Government & Policy