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‘(High-speed internet) is crucial:’ Youngstown mayor, Sherrod Brown push for cheaper online

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters
City of Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown joined Sen. Sherrod Brown emphasized the need to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program to prevent internet cost increases for Ohioans.
City of Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown joined Sen. Sherrod Brown emphasized the need to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program to prevent internet cost increases for Ohioans.

City of Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown joined Sen. Sherrod Brown emphasized the need to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program to prevent internet cost increases for Ohioans.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act?

The Affordable Connectivity Program has been in effect since December of 2021.

Over a million households in urban and rural Ohio neighborhoods rely on the program to afford their Internet access, according to Bill Callahan, director of Connect Your Community, a broadband advocacy organization based in Cleveland and Ashtabula.

“Simply, every Ohio family should have high speed internet, and you shouldn’t have to pay exorbitant prices for it,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown. “One in four Ohio households rely on [ACP] to afford internet access. It’s been a lifeline for many Ohioans; seniors have been able to get home internet for the first time. Families are able to get high speed plans so multiple family members can be online at the same time. It matters for health care, starting businesses and education.”

The program that protects companies from increasing fees for Internet access is ending at the end of this month, according to the Federal Communications Committee.

If it’s not extended past April, Ohioans could see their internet bills increase by $30 per month.

“That’s a lot of money for working people and for seniors with fixed incomes each month,” said Mayor Jamael Tito Brown. “We hear from residents here to Youngstown that this program is crucial. I hear from students from Choffin, Youngstown State, our senior citizens, working moms with children that need to do their homework online. This is a lifeline that lowers the monthly cost of internet for folks across Youngstown, who have enough other expenses and bills to worry about.”

Sen. Sherrod Brown is pushing to pass the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act.

“We want to prevent families from having to make tough choices about whether they can afford their Internet bill starting next month,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown.

“Continuing the Affordable Connectivity Program for all of our Youngstown residents is critical, especially for our senior citizens. The extension of ACP will help continue to allow greater access to services and resources, such as telemedicine, connection with family members and social connections. I am glad to have Senator Brown on our side, leading the fight to extend this cost-lowering program, and protect Ohioans in the Valley from rising internet bills,” said Mayor Jamael Tito Brown.

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This story was originally published April 18, 2024 at 6:00 AM.