Is Internet Access Past Being A Luxury?

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lot from proper handwashing, how to work remotely and the importance of masks. The one lingering item it has taught us is that home internet service is no longer a luxury item and hasn’t been for some time. 

The internet is where people from all over the world go to work, attend school, keep up with news in their communities, and stay in touch with loved ones. It’s simply unacceptable for over a quarter of the US population to not have broadband internet access at home. The internet is not a luxury service, it’s a necessity to be successful and should be treated as the necessity it’s proven to be. It is unreasonable to allow families to suffer in silence in 2021. Whether they’re disconnected due to financial reasons or where they live, they should have affordable internet options. Politicians, industry experts and educators from all over the world recognize that we are allowing families to continue to be disenfranchised from a lack of a basic need. It makes sense that electricity, water and heat is essential to everyday life and survival and here’s why it should have been extended to internet service years ago.

Basic Broadband Internet Access Needs To Be Accessible

Pandemic or not, high speed internet access is vital for everyday activities. Households without internet access don’t have the same opportunities in life that those who do. When was the last time you filled out a physical job application in pen and paper?  Employers today expect cover letters, resumes, references, and portfolios to all be shared digitally along with their application. Without internet access at home, those adults can’t apply for high paying jobs or jobs they’re better qualified for. Kids can’t even complete homework or apply to colleges without internet access at home which puts them at a serious disadvantage. Studies show that kids who do not have internet access at home are less successful in school and have lower grades. Before you disregard that kids need internet access too, just remember the times have changed since parents were in grade school. While yes many can go to places with free Wi-Fi like libraries, coffee shops and retail stores, but it’s a barrier that shouldn’t exist. 

How The Internet Has Been Important During The COVID-19 Pandemic

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces nationwide that had the ability to go remote did and grade schools and universities shut down in person classes in favor for remote learning to comply with shutdowns, social distancing and capacity requirements. This was done to slow the spread of the virus so that hospitals and healthcare facilities wouldn’t be overwhelmed and overtaxed with critically ill people.

No one can deny that the internet has been essential for getting through the COVID-19 pandemic. The internet has been the sole thing that has kept families and friends in touch with one another, people employed, kids in school and all of us entertained during these difficult times. We’ve adjusted to social distancing and lockdowns, but the internet has been essential to living as close to normal as we can.

How The Internet Is Important Before & After The Pandemic

Even after we’ve overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, the internet will continue to be just as important. Remote work and remote learning won’t suddenly go away once we hit herd immunity or find a cure. We can expect both to still exist or partially exist forever. Technology is always moving forward, not backward and for future generations to be successful, everyone needs high speed internet access.

Low Cost Internet Programs

Under ordinary circumstances the internet can be expensive. Households can expect to pay anywhere from $19.99 a month to $299.99 a month for high-speed broadband internet access depending on the following factors:

If you or anyone you know cannot afford internet service, you’re not alone and not without options. There are programs available for those who need it to assist in paying for internet service or qualifying for a low cost monthly rate. Here are some federal and nonprofit low cost internet programs for low and fixed income families:

To receive assistance from any of these programs, someone in your household will have to meet certain income requirements and already receive benefits from one of many federal assistance programs. However, every low-cost internet program has different requirements, so don’t give up and keep searching. If internet providers in your area are not on our list and you need more affordable internet service, don’t be afraid to ask them what their low-cost internet plan options are available to you. You won’t know unless you ask and they’re there to help, not judge.