In response to the increasing demand for affordable internet access and training, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP has focused on providing guidance and expertise in a collaborative effort with AARP state offices.
There are two 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs (IIJA) high-speed internet programs being planned for, the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The DEA was established as a $2.75B three grant program to ensure that all people have the skills, technology, and capacity to reap the full benefits of the digital economy. The ACP is a government benefit helping to make high-speed internet available to almost 22 million low-income households, including 9.3 million headed by someone 50 or older.
This year, OATS and AARP State Offices aligned to support the implementation of the DEA. Together we:
- Supported AARP-sponsored digital equity tele-town halls which provide a forum for state broadband offices, digital equity experts, and AARP state offices and members to discuss how to expand broadband to all state residents no matter their age, where they live or how much they earn. During these sessions, OATS shared resources including the Senior Planet hotline, free classes and workshops on ACP, and more. Eight tele-town halls have taken place to date, in California, New York, Connecticut, Nebraska, Rhode Island, New Mexico, and Georgia (2x), reaching a total of 7,437 AARP members.
- Worked to support the State Broadband office’s digital equity plan listening and advisory sessions, including speaking on NY ConnectALL’s panel on “Digital Inclusion Opportunities and Barriers” in June, and New Mexico’s digital equity plan listening session in September.
- Served as the Regional Partner in NYC for the NY Broadband Office “ConnectALL”, a part of New York State’s Digital Equity Plan. In this role, OATS convened five local community partners to conduct eight focus groups, along with a comprehensive needs assessment, asset inventory, and survey distribution. We exceeded targets for all covered populations, reaching 360% of survey response rate goal for older adults.
- Collaborated with Colorado and New Mexico’s digital equity plan advisory groups, ensuring older adults are included in State digital equity plans.
“Working in collaboration with AARP on digital equity and ACP efforts only bolster the efforts across the country as we work together to close the digital divide for older adults,” said OATS Digital Equity Program Specialist Ellen Forbes.
Participating in the national dialogue on the digital divide, OATS, at the request of the FCC’s Task Force to Prevent Digital Discrimination, organized a listening session to gain additional information about challenges and barriers around equal access to broadband. Experts from nonprofit agencies and local government participated in the listening session and developed model policies and best practices to prevent digital discrimination.
Many of the above efforts related to the DEA also raise awareness of the importance and availability of the ACP. Unfortunately, efforts to support the ACP across multiple states and forums come at an uncertain time for the program that is pending an extension. As it stands, The White House has asked Congress for $6 billion in funding to support the program through December 2024, but unless approved, funding will run out by May 2024, according to Common Sense Media.
“ACP is essential to millions of households’ ability to participate in all parts of modern digital life,” from remote work to virtual education, telehealth and paying bills,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer. “Unfortunately, if the funding for ACP is allowed to run out, millions of older Americans will once again lose access to affordable internet service.”
The flagship program of OATS, Senior Planet, offers in-person and virtual classes about the ACP. In San Antonio, the Senior Planet program combined a lecture on affordable home internet and an ACP workshop at four senior centers, serving 30 seniors. In September, OATS supported the local housing authority during National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week by offering the workshop.
Personal stories, such as that of Frances Russell from New York City, underscore the human impact of the ACP. Russell, who is in her mid-70s, had a hard time adjusting to a new community and struggled with feelings of isolation, but by mid-2022 she was receiving the ACP benefit and regularly talking with family and friends on Zoom.
In the face of uncertainty, OATS remains dedicated to empowering older adults through digital inclusion, exemplifying the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in the pursuit of digital equity.
Photo from the FCC’s Task Force to Prevent Digital Discrimination listening session.