2021 Adopted Resolutions

In Support of a Long-Term, Federally-Funded Broadband Benefit Program & Digital Inclusion Programs

Resolution Number: 86

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the increased need for universal broadband connectivity in local communities for residents to realize the full potential of the 21st century economy and achieve equitable access to basic amenities like public safety and other vital services; and

WHEREAS, access to high-speed broadband service and adoption of that service is critical for education, healthcare, employment, civic opportunity, and other functions necessary for participation in the modern, digital era both during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, there are several complex and interconnected barriers to broadband adoption preventing residents from being fully connected including lack of infrastructure, inadequate digital skills, and an inability to access internet-enabled devices; and

WHEREAS, as a result of these barriers a sizeable segment of the country remains without the tools needed to access broadband in the home, to afford broadband services, devices or equipment or to participate in the digital community; and

WHEREAS, this "digital divide" has resulted in social and economic disparities that are especially pronounced amongst vulnerable populations like the elderly, the economically disadvantaged, low-income children, and communities of color; and

WHEREAS, one of the barriers to broadband adoption is the inability for low-income households to afford internet service; and

WHEREAS, despite a wide variety discounted offerings from broadband providers that have connected millions of people, more needs to be done; and

WHEREAS, while the FCC's Lifeline program helps millions of people adopt and maintain broadband and telephone service, additional government resources are now required to facilitate the swift, substantial, and sustainable shift of millions more low-income Americans to broadband connectivity; and

WHEREAS, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) passed by Congress in December 2020 was an important first step in helping economically vulnerable families stay connected during COVID-19, it is a temporary program designed only for use during the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the federal government has never adopted a robust, permanent, and coordinated program to address the affordability challenge and doing so will aid in getting more residents connected to critical broadband service,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors supports and urges Congress to adopt a long-term, federally funded broadband benefit program, managed and administered by the FCC, to provide low-income individuals with enhanced financial support for broadband after the pandemic ends; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in order to ensure dependable and consistent funding for this program, Congress should codify and fund it through mandatory directed spending as other entitlement programs are, instead of subjecting it to an annual discretionary appropriations process; and

BE IT THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that in addition to this program, Congress must renew its commitment to federal digital inclusion programs as they are highly effective in helping residents in local communities gain the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in the digital age.