BY HALEY MCLEOD & HANNAH NORTON
1.7M households lose subsidy for internet costs Over 1.7 million Texas households could lose access to affordable, high-speed internet this month as a federal subsidy that helps low-income Americans pay for broadband services comes to an end. The Affordable Connectivity Program provided a $30 monthly discount on internet service for eligible low-income households, and a $75 monthly discount for households on tribal lands. The $14.2 billion program, which launched in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, helps 23 million American households save money on their internet bills. The program expired at the end of April after Congress did not pass legislation extending funding. Why it matters Almost three-quarters of ACP enrollees said
Round Rock Sports Center goes cashless Round Rock City Council approved an agreement May 9 with Amazon.com Services for Just Walk Out software and equipment, allowing visitors to the Round Rock Sports Center to skip the checkout line. The details With the new system, individuals will enter the complex and scan a payment method. When the individual wishes to pur- chase something from concessions, cameras and sensors are used to identify the shopper, items in hand and charge their card. All major card vendors are accepted as well as Apple pay and Apple wallets. Though the complex will be predominantly cashless, the Round Rock Sports Center will still offer a limited option concession stand for those with cash.
The FCC survey found:
77% of respondents said they would have to change their internet plan or drop internet service entirely when their benefits expired
SOURCE: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
they used the internet to schedule or attend health care appointments and 48% said they used it to complete work or apply for jobs, according to a December survey conducted by the Federal Communications Commission. Broadband advocates also highlight that “vulnerable populations” will be particularly impacted by the termination of the program. More than 10 million Americans over the age of 50 are enrolled in the ACP, and nearly half of ACP households are military families, the White House reported.
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