Reply Comments of ALA Before the FCC in the Matter of Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

Abstract

While we made progress over time, the digital divide has stubbornly persisted for millions of Americans. Now, with the country plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic this past year, the need for all households to have affordable, robust internet connectivity to fully access educational, economic and civic opportunity has become even more explicitly clear. Every day library staff witness the repercussions of the divide as so many lacking internet access and digital skills depend on the library for both. Recognizing the pandemic as a call to action, the ALA’s governing body recognized broadband as a human right in January 2021. While libraries do not have a direct role in applying for or distributing the benefits offered by the EBB program, the ALA believes libraries can have a vital role in providing accurate and relevant information to empower patrons to understand the program and participate as appropriate.