End of nationwide connectivity program could hurt rural South Dakota students

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program used nationwide to help people afford their monthly internet bills, but it will soon be coming to an end.

According to the White House, 23 million households nationwide save between $30 and $75 on their monthly internet bills due to the program. However, by the end of May, the Affordable Connectivity Program will be cut completely as Congress has chosen not to continue funding the initiative.

For South Dakotans, this could be a big issue. The state is ranked as one of the nation’s most rural, and one parent-run organization says those who would suffer the most will be young students.

“So for our kids who have an opportunity to participate in online learning as part of their education if you don’t have consistency and access to the internet, you lose out on that opportunity. Is that equitable for all students then to have equal access to the same thing? The same opportunities in school that all children should have,” said Carla Miller, executive director for South Dakota Parent Connection.

Miller also stated the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted connectivity issues in some of the state’s more rural areas, and urged the public to write to their local lawmakers asking Congress to continue funding this program.

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