Thousands of Vermont households could lose affordable broadband

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - More than 25,000 Vermont households could be disconnected from broadband if more federal cash doesn’t come online.

The Affordable Connectivity Program helps about 23 million households across the country connect to low-cost, high-speed internet.

In one week, the program will stop accepting new enrollments if Congress doesn’t renew funding for the program.

Vermont Sen. Peter Welch and a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced an extension that would funnel an additional $7 billion to the program.

“In today’s digital age, a day without high-speed internet could mean you’re missing class, missing work, or missing a doctor’s appointment,” Welch, D-Vermont, said in a statement. “We cannot let millions of Americans slip into digital darkness.”

The FCC says the program’s existing funding will last through April with partial support until May.