Why Nearly 400,000 in Missouri are About to Lose Internet Access

I remember when the internet first started becoming commonly available to the public in the mid-1990's. Now, it's an aspect of life that is taken for granted by many, but did you know that nearly 400,000 in Missouri are about to lose that access unless something drastic happens soon?

Affordable internet was the goal for the FCC when the Affordable Connectivity Program began. Millions took advantage of the online access they would otherwise not have. There's just one very big problem and it's an urgent one. Nearly 400,000 in Missouri are about to lose that access as funding for this FCC program is winding down. Here's a map shared by Whistle Out of how many families will be affected in each state. For Missouri, over 386,000 will lose internet access.

The FCC says that for those in Missouri who are relying on ACP, the phase out will begin in May when only partial discounts are provided and that's only for some families. Unless new funding is provided, help to access the internet will completely go away as of June 2024.

I'm not aware of any new efforts in Congress to provide money for the ACP program. Since many in Missouri rely on internet access for employment and/or education, let's hope those who have depended on reduced cost to access it find a new way to afford to be online.