According to the Pew Research Center, about 21 million households in the United States lacked adequate internet access when COVID-19 struck. This represents about 15% of all households. The lack of internet access was more common among low-income households, rural households, and Black and Hispanic households.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the digital divide, as many people have had to rely on the internet for work, school, healthcare, and other essential services. The lack of internet access has made it difficult for this demographic to participate in these activities.
The federal government in the form of the FCC has taken some steps to address the digital divide, such as providing funding for broadband expansion and making it easier for low-income households to afford internet service. This resulted in distribution of free or low-cost phones, tablets, computers, and internet connectivity through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
All the major Eligible Telecommunications Companies have signed on board to get the word and the devices out to those who are in need. However, more needs to be done to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, reliable internet service.
The question is why are many of the major retail outlets, where the demographics the program is targeted to not supporting this necessary initiative? In Philadelphia you may see representatives on street corners; in front of Public Assistance offices; major retail stores (Walmart’s, Targets, Family Dollar, etc…); major supermarket chains (Shoprite, Giants, Save A Lot, etc…).
You would think these businesses located in the very heart of the community where the very people who need this service come and spend their money with them would be the first in line to lend a hand. Not So! These businesses instead treat the hard-working representatives like pariahs. They drive the representatives off their property, threaten to call the authorities and deny them the ability to do their job efficiently.
The ACP initiative brings with it an added benefit, crime reduction and income stability in the form of jobs in the community. It is a known fact that a lot of the crime in these communities have a direct correlation to financial lack. ACP representatives receive good pay for their distribution efforts, the young are out earning in their communities not burning their communities and it creates an extra source of income to help our seniors make ends meet. These are solid reasons for everyone to get behind this program.
Representatives are exposed to the elements and all the senseless violence that permeates our city by being out in the streets. If these establishments can open their doors to organizations promoting energy, newspapers, switching phone or internet service, the Salvation Army, Girl Scout Cookies, election campaigns, why not this, no longer a want but a must have service?
When the attempt is made to speak with those with the authority to open the doors, they are pointed in a direction that produces no results, because they know those requests will just be ignored. Store managers respond with the company line “you have to call corporate”. Many of these stores have autonomy and don’t need corporate approval but will choose to send the reps on a wild goose chase knowing it will result in a dead end.
Why do these establishments say they’re for the community, but frown upon this valuable community resource? Who has the answer, is anyone listening, can anyone help?