It's Time To Close The Digital Divide.

Millions American across the country are struggling to work and learn remotely. COVID-19 has exacerbated the digital divide in our country. It is time we close the gap.

How can we make technology more equitable? In our new Compact for the American Future memo series - Building for the Digital Future - we discuss how we can start off by expanding fast and reliable broadband internet to everyone. Millions of Americans do not have access to reliable internet, making it incredibly difficult to learn and work online. This disproportionately impacts low-income, minority, and rural communities.

It's time we close the digital divide so every American can work and learn during these challenging times -- and be well equipped for the future. It's time to pass the HEROES Act.

The HEROES Act would create a $5.5 billion fund directed to broadband internet access by:

• providing $4 billion to subsidize internet for low-income families or laid off and furloughed workers;
• immediately providing $1.5 billion through the FCC’s E-Rate Program for schools and libraries to purchase hot spots and “connected devices”; and
• making it unlawful for telecommunications providers to shut off service to customers during the pandemic.

Call your Senators now to pass the HEROES Act!

To read more about the digital divide and making technology policy work for everyone, read our new memo, Building for the Digital Future, here.