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Insights on Digital Equity and Affordable Connectivity

Research, case studies, and practical guidance to help schools, libraries, nonprofits, and social service agencies close the digital divide.

Woman reviewing technology and internet connectivity costs on her laptop, representing how nonprofits plan and budget for internet access and digital tools
This article was published on: December 19, 2025

As nonprofits approach year-end planning, many teams revisit their nonprofit budget to prepare for the next fiscal year. Internet access is one of the most important technology investments to assess, especially as more organizations operate hybrid programs, deliver virtual services, and support community connectivity. Many nonprofits now allocate 5–10 percent of their overall budget to […]

Young woman on her phone.
This article was published on: December 10, 2025

5G is no longer a future promise. According to the FCC, 5G networks now cover roughly 38 percent of US land area at baseline speeds and are available to more than 90 percent of urban residents, with coverage in rural communities steadily growing. In this environment, unlimited 5G hotspot plans have become a reliable option […]

A patron reaches for a book in the quiet aisles of the Kansas City Public Library, surrounded by endless shelves of knowledge—symbolizing how hotspot lending extends library resources to homes for education and equity.
This article was published on: December 10, 2025

In 2025, about 78 percent of US adults have home broadband, leaving roughly one in five households without reliable wireline access. Many of these households are smartphone dependent, which limits their ability to participate fully in online education, job training, and essential services. Public libraries have continued to respond by creating scalable digital inclusion programs […]

Diverse team of social welfare professionals collaborates joyfully on laptops in a modern office, illustrating digital transformation's role in equitable service delivery and public welfare innovation.
This article was published on: December 10, 2025

Digital transformation is reshaping how social welfare services operate and how effectively they reach individuals and families. Agencies adopting digital tools are experiencing faster processing times, clearer communication, and stronger operational efficiency. These shifts help organizations serve high-need populations more equitably and with fewer administrative barriers. Agencies seeking guidance often look to dedicated resources built […]

This article was published on: November 7, 2025

The ACP Sunset and the Rise of Local InnovationWhen the FCC announced the end of Affordable Connectivity Program funding in 2024, more than one in five U.S. households saw their internet bills surge overnight (CNN).What could have widened the digital divide instead became a catalyst for creativity. Across the country, nonprofits, libraries, and local governments […]

This article was published on: November 7, 2025

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) officially ended in June 2024 after Congress failed to approve new funding. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the program helped more than 23 million U.S. households afford broadband service through a monthly $30 subsidy. When the program expired, participating families lost those credits, often raising their internet bills […]

Older adult in a coral shirt using a laptop at home with books and headphones nearby.
This article was published on: August 4, 2025

In 2025, more older adults are online than ever, but millions still struggle to afford consistent internet access. When the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024, many older adults lost the federal internet subsidy that helped them stay connected. The result? More seniors at risk of digital exclusion, isolation, and reduced access to healthcare […]

Volunteers in navy shirts distribute fresh food and canned goods at an outdoor non-profit food distribution event, handing out plastic bags to community members under white tents in a parking lot.
This article was published on: June 26, 2025

When disaster strikes, the ability to stay connected isn’t optional—it’s essential. For organizations leading recovery services, mobile internet delivers the flexibility, speed, and reliability needed to serve communities when infrastructure fails. Whether your team is setting up temporary shelters, coordinating food distribution, or providing digital access in disaster zones, mobile connectivity powers every part of […]

This article was published on: June 5, 2025

As more of daily life moves online—from banking to healthcare—seniors risk being left behind without affordable, accessible internet access. Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. For older adults, staying online means maintaining health, independence, and connection. Thanks to growing access to affordable internet and senior-friendly technology, the digital divide is narrowing—empowering seniors to […]

This article was published on: June 2, 2025

As digital equity funding declines across the U.S., many nonprofits now face a difficult question: how will they stay connected and continue serving their communities? Reliable broadband access, once supported by programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has become increasingly expensive, forcing organizations to rethink how they deliver services, connect staff, and reach those […]

Four diverse individuals holding internet-related icons — a rocket, Earth, and cloud symbols — while standing on grass, representing digital access and connectivity for nonprofits and community organizations exploring affordable internet plans.
This article was published on: May 22, 2025

For nonprofits and community-based organizations, connectivity is more than convenience—it’s the infrastructure behind every service delivered, every report filed, and every life changed. Yet for many of these mission-driven groups, tight budgets and inconsistent infrastructure create persistent barriers to reliable internet access. That’s where affordable wireless internet becomes a strategic solution. Whether supporting STEM education […]

Four volunteers collaborating while posting updates on social media using a smartphone
This article was published on: April 25, 2025

The future of mobile connectivity is not just about speed—it’s about access. For millions across the U.S., high-speed internet remains a distant promise. From school-aged children in rural towns to families living paycheck to paycheck in urban areas, underserved communities continue to experience a digital disconnect that restricts access to opportunity. As digital transformation accelerates, […]