OCA — Asian Pacific American Advocates is excited to support Online for All, a new initiative working to close the digital divide. This new national campaign, launched through a partnership by Civic Nation and the U.S. Department of Education, aims to increase awareness surrounding the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ACP is a federal benefit program that can save you or your loved ones $30/month on internet bills. Since it began in 2017, over 17 million people have enrolled, helping to increase access to better job opportunities, education, and more.
Historically, communities of color — including millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — have faced multiple barriers to getting online. Indeed, 23% of households in the United States don’t have access to high-speed internet. Out of these, two-thirds cite cost as a barrier to access. In today’s world, internet access is a crucial necessity rather than a luxury. For this reason, OCA is proud to join Online for All in their Week of Action.
In addition to promoting the ACP on our digital platforms, we also met with Members of Congress to continue campaigning for renewed funding for ACP as well as held several webinars and info sessions on the importance of access to affordable high-speed internet. We are excited at the prospect of getting our communities connected, but this can’t happen without steady funding — which some estimate might run out as early as next spring. This has the potential to reverse much of the progress made to get our communities connected. OCA calls on policymakers to secure additional funding for the ACP — ensuring that the millions who have benefited from this program stay connected to crucial resources.
We believe that ensuring affordable access for broadband connectivity for all will continue to advance the social, political, and economic well-being of AAPIs across the nation. Affordability internet initiatives such as the ACP have improved the lives of so many Asian and Pacific Islanders across the country. Online is for all of us, and together, we can ensure that all our neighbors, family, and friends are able to access the many opportunities that the digital world has to offer.
To learn more and apply for the ACP, head to getinternet.gov.
