One-third of Americans cannot access the Internet at home – a 68 percent broadband adoption rate. Computer costs and monthly payments are simply too expensive for Americans living in poverty. At a recent press conference, Federal Communications Council (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski announced a joint effort between government, corporations and microfinance institutions to make internet access more affordable.
"The broadband adoption gap in the U.S. is very large, and the costs of digital exclusion are high and getting higher," Genachowski said during the October 12 announcement.
Approximately five million American families will be eligible to receive internet access for $10 a month, one-fifth the national average price. Connect-to-Compete, the name of the non-profit organization coordinating the program, was formed to address the increasing percentage of Americans who are deprived online opportunities due to their economic status.
Read the full article here: http://www.microfinancefocus.com/fcc-announces-internet-consumer-lending-program
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