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New Programs Distribute Free Internet as Unemployment Soars

Utility or luxury?

By Sascha Brodsky Sascha Brodsky Senior Tech Reporter Macalester College Columbia University Sascha Brodsky is a freelance journalist based in New York City. His writing has appeared in The Atlantic, the Guardian, the Los Angeles Times and many other publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 11, 2021 11:35AM EST Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming

Key Takeaways

There’s a growing movement across the country to provide free or low-cost internet access to people experiencing poverty.Massachusetts recently announced that it would provide Internet access subsidies and give away free equipment to the unemployed. A library in New Jersey is distributing wireless hotspots free of charge to residents suffering economic hardship. Cheriss May / Getty Images As the coronavirus pandemic grinds down the economy, there’s a growing movement to provide free or low-cost internet access to people experiencing poverty. The state of Massachusetts, for example, recently announced that it would provide subsidies for Internet access and give away free equipment to the unemployed. The pandemic has drastically increased the number of unemployed people in the U.S. and around the world. A lack of internet access is a significant barrier to getting people back into the workforce and can interfere with students doing remote learning, experts say. "Broadband internet is as essential to our daily lives as water and electricity, but it's not as widely available as those two utilities," Jeffrey Trzeciak, the director of Jersey City Free Public Library in New Jersey, said in an email interview.

Hot Spot Giveaway

The Jersey City Library is distributing wireless hotspots free of charge to residents who are suffering economic hardship. Since March, the library has distributed about 300 hotspots, Trzeciak said. When libraries were permitted to reopen at 25% capacity, the library started providing computer access at its 10 locations citywide. Computer usage in the Library has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, but it is rising steadily each month. The library also just started a partnership with the Jersey City Municipal Court to lend out tablets to those in need of a connected device to make their virtual court hearings. Broadband internet is as essential to our daily lives as water and electricity, but it's not as widely available as those two utilities. In Massachusetts, officials have launched a program called Mass. Internet Connect, which provides free internet to job seekers. The program is part of a state hiring program that also offers digital literacy classes. The state is working with internet service providers, including Comcast, Charter, and Verizon, to provide subsidies and devices to job seekers. "The internet is critical to those seeking a new job, and these new programs recognize and aim to help solve connectivity challenges for people looking for work," Governor Charlie Baker said in a news release. "These investments will help to get and keep people connected, so they can continue to engage with prospective employers, access the trainings and services offered by MassHire and their partners, and ultimately get back into the workforce."

Stimulus Package Includes Broadband Aid

The federal government is also stepping in to help bring internet access during the economic downturn. The coronavirus aid package approved last month by Congress, earmarks $7 billion to help Americans connect to high-speed Internet and pay their monthly bills. Scott Olson / Getty Images About half of the money will go to low-income families. "I think it demonstrates Washington woke up in the pandemic to the reality that broadband is no longer nice to have, it’s need to have," Jessica Rosenworcel, a Democratic commissioner at the FCC, told The Washington Post. "Households without it don’t have a fair shot at maintaining some semblance of modern life when so much of modern life has migrated online." Not being able to afford internet access is particularly challenging for families with students who are learning remotely during the pandemic. A report last year from Common Sense Media found that about 30% of the 50 million public school K-12 students in the U.S. lacked access to either high-speed internet or devices. An Indianapolis program addresses this problem with a pilot program that gives free broadband access to K-12 students. "It is so critical to find a more sustainable way to support internet access so school districts don’t have to continue to shoulder the gap for our students," Aleesia Johnson, the superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, said in an interview with a local NPR station. Bridging the digital divide is particularly important during the pandemic. The local and federal measures to bring internet access to impoverished people are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done. The eventual economic recovery will only be broad and equitable if all Americans can get online. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The 8 Best Ways to Get Free and Legal Internet at Home Without Paying Net Neutrality Explained The 5 Best Ways to Get Free Internet in 2022 Internet 101: Beginners Quick Reference Guide What Is the Digital Divide? Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) Where Is 5G Available in the US? (Updated for 2022) How to Find and Use Internet Cafes 5G Internet: The High-Speed Replacement for Cable? How to Find Free Wi-Fi Hotspots How to Share Internet Access How to Set Up PPPoE Internet Access How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista How to Get 5G or 4G Internet Access on Your Laptop How to Get Internet With a Bluetooth-Enabled Cell Phone How to Get A Microsoft Store Student Discount Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies