Resources

Unless Congress takes action, the ACP will run out of money in April of this year. For full details and what you need to know, click here.

Yes, there are many resources. Take a look at:

• Benton Institute for Broadband for Broadband & Society – The Benton Institute states they “provide free, reliable, and non-partisan, daily digest that curates and distributes news related to universal broadband.”
• National Digital Inclusion Alliance – The NDIA is a non-profit organization that states they advance equity by supporting community programs and equipping policymakers to act.
• Education Superhighway – The EducationSuperHighway states it “is a national non-profit with the mission to close the digital divide for the 18 million households that have access to the Internet but can’t afford to connect”.
• National Skills Coalition –  The National Skills Coalition states it “is a national organization fighting for inclusive, high-quality skills training so that people have access to a better life, and local businesses see sustained growth. We engage in analysis and technical assistance, organizing, advocacy, and communications to improve state and federal skills policies”.

BroadbandUSA – The Broadband USA program is housed within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), serves state, local, and tribal governments, industry, and nonprofits that seek to expand broadband connectivity and promote digital inclusion.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration – The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), located within the Department of Commerce, is the Executive Brand agency that is principally responsible by law for advising the President on telecommunications and information policy issues.

Federal Communications Commission – The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Yes, there are South Caroline agencies involved, including:

South Carolina Broadband Office – The Broadband Office serves as the central broadband planning body for South Carolina and coordinates with federal, state, regional, local, and private entities, to the extent practicable, to encourage the continued development of access to broadband. The Broadband Office also serves as a central resource to collect and publish information about state and federal programs to fund broadband expansion and helps maximize resources by coordinating with other state and federal programs.

Broadband Advisory Council – The Broadband Office was tasked with convening a collaborative stakeholder process to identify challenges to expediting broadband access in South Carolina. As a result, a Broadband Advisory Council (BBAC) was established to help guide broadband planning in South Carolina. The BBAC reflects a diverse group of stakeholders focused on access, adoption, and use of broadband.

Digital Equity Collaborative – The Digital Equity Collaborative is a multisector group representing urban, rural, local, and statewide partners who have an interest in ensuring equitable broadband access across South Carolina.

GetConnectedSC – An initiative of the Office of Regulatory Staff, the Department of Administration and statewide community partners, has been working this year to identify the state’s areas of greatest need, invest in broadband infrastructure and provide resources to make broadband available to every home, business and community in the state.