Policy Brief: The American Rescue Plan and its impact on broadband

On March 11, Congress passed the latest COVID-relief package, called the American Rescue Plan, to the tune of $1.9 trillion. In it, broadband is propped up as a major player, with schools, rural communities, and other entities positioned to see major upgrades to their connectivity and technology needs. Since the pandemic began a year ago, the increased need for connectivity has only intensified. The overwhelming support for broadband expansion is clear in this latest legislation with the following included:

• $7.171 billion – Emergency Connectivity Fund
• $219.8 billion – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds
• $9.961 billion – Homeowner Assistance Fund

This policy brief will discuss each of these points in more detail and how they relate to more money for broadband. Click here to read the Connected Nation Policy Brief.