MCC Daily Tribune

Interim Chancellor Encourages Students to Sign Up for Affordable Internet Program

In the following editorial published by USA Today Network on June 10, SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley writes about the Affordable Connectivity Program credit and encourages eligible students to apply for this federal aid.

College students should take advantage of a new, affordable internet access

It has been clear for years that high-speed internet access is not a privilege, but a necessity that provides the key to academic, professional, and personal success.

The federal government recognized this reality by including $65 billion in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help bring broadband to underserved regions across the nation.

The truth is, we have a lot of catching up to do, and while infrastructure funding is critical, it is only one piece of the puzzle. For too many families, high-speed internet remains both out of reach and unaffordable. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 19 million Americans nationwide do not have access to broadband with baseline speeds.

In New York, the greatest share of households without internet access are in New York City and Long Island — and 14 percent of households earning less than $30,000, as well as nearly 10 percent of households earning less than $50,000 lack access.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is advancing one of the most aggressive and transformative broadband plans in the country. The governor’s ConnectALL plan aims to connect every New Yorker to broadband, regardless of how much money they earn or where they live.

SUNY has a role to play as well. As current students complete their academic semesters and return home for the summer, and as incoming students prepare for the fall, we are working to connect eligible students with the federal Affordable Connectivity Program which, thanks to the work of Sen. Charles Schumer and New York’s Congressional delegation, now offers significant internet discounts.

The program provides a $30 per-month discount on internet services to households with students who receive Pell Grants. That adds up to $360 a year in savings. Additionally, these students qualify for a one-time $100 discount on the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet.

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, classrooms at thousands of schools across the country pivoted to online or remote instruction within a matter of weeks. Online learning, which had previously been an option for some students, became a mandate.

This abrupt shift was jarring for everyone. But it presented particular challenges for those who had relied on computers in campus libraries, or depended on their on-campus WiFi to get connected. While miles away from campus, often without transportation alternatives, thousands of students found themselves scrambling to get online. In worst-case scenarios, WiFi was only available in the parking lot of their nearest coffee shop or fast-food restaurant.

These unexpected burdens ultimately contributed to students’ educational and financial struggles and an exodus of those from lower-income backgrounds before their degree was complete. We must do better. SUNY applauds the White House and Congress for giving students another tool in their toolbox when it comes to affordable internet.

To students enrolled at the more than 200 public and private colleges and universities in New York State — and their families — our message is this: At a time when affordability and opportunity is the utmost priority, this federal funding is there for you. Take advantage of it. Then focus on what matters most: Your future success.

For more information or to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program credit, visit: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/.

Rosanna Yule
Community Relations
06/16/2022