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  1. About

Accelerating America

AFFORDABILITY
ADOPTION
ACCESS

Broadband networks are critical to our daily lives. They allow us to work from home, connect with loved ones, find jobs, educate our children remotely, and get medical attention virtually.

Yet too many households across the country can’t access broadband because it’s not available where they live. Some lack the digital literacy skills to properly use it. Others simply can’t afford it.

Learn more

It’s time for a bold, comprehensive, and national broadband solution that connects people and communities.

Verizon is committed to ensuring all Americans have access to affordable broadband and are equipped with the skills to use it. We work with other companies and nonprofit partners to support digital inclusion in a variety of ways, including, equipping under-resourced schools with STEM education tools and free internet access, partnering with school districts across the country during the pandemic to provide discount broadband service to support distance learning and hosting digital literacy training for communities in need. In addition, we offer a discount on Verizon's Fios home broadband service for customers qualifying for the FCC’s Lifeline program that allows those customers to purchase a 200/200 Mbps fiber service with no data caps for just $19.99/month.

But solving our nation’s broadband challenge will also require a strong commitment from the government. Congress has taken some important steps by passing the Emergency Broadband Benefit as part of its recent COVID Relief Package.

While encouraging, that’s a temporary program that will expire after the end of the public health emergency. Other government programs have delivered tremendous benefits, but these programs on their own do not do enough to close the broadband gap. 

We believe it’s time for Congress to take bolder steps to Accelerate America by funding broadband connectivity in a way that permanently gives Americans more choices and more resources. 

We're proposing a new public policy approach that asks Congress to provide long-term financial support for broadband services in three areas: affordability, adoption, and access. This comprehensive approach, which builds on prior efforts to close the digital divide and supplements existing programs, will help empower all Americans to thrive in the digital age.

Here’s what
we propose

  • Congress should allocate funds for a new broadband program that supplements the existing Lifeline program. Eligible recipients would choose which program best fits their needs.
  • Eligible recipients would receive a monthly benefit of $20-$50 dollars that is distributed onto electronic benefit transfer cards similar to (or the same as) what they may already have for other government assistance programs. Recipients in the program could use their card to pay for eligible services just like any customer uses a debit or credit card.
  • Recipients could use the benefit to pay for any qualifying wireline, wireless service, or both. Participants would also be eligible for a bi-annual equipment benefit.
  • The federal government would provide support to fund digital literacy programs, remote classroom learning, connectivity and associated technology.
  • The federal government would provide support to state and local governments to modernize their systems to enable citizens to access information and resources online and via mobile devices.
  • The federal government would also continue to provide support for broadband in rural and hard to reach areas.

Let's work together to Accelerate America and close the broadband gap. 

Download Verizon’s broadband plan

Accelerating America - Affordability | Adoption | Access

Executive summary
Full study

The path to digital equity

Accelerating America: Digital Inclusion Youtube Video

Americans who don’t have the education or tools necessary to function online are at a disadvantage. Hear from digital inclusion stakeholders about the important work they are doing to support digital inclusion in communities across the country.

Accelerating America: Digital Inclusion Youtube Video

Americans who don’t have the education or tools necessary to function online are at a disadvantage. Hear from digital inclusion stakeholders about the important work they are doing to support digital inclusion in communities across the country.

Connecting more Americans

Verizon’s Rose Kirk explores the steps needed to connect more Americans to broadband.

Slide 1 of 3
  • Accelerating America: Broadband Access Youtube Video
  • Accelerating America: Broadband Access | Verizon
  • Accelerating America: Digital Literacy Youtube Video
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Expanding broadband access

Accelerating America: a conversation about broadband access and affordability | Verizon

Without access to broadband, Americans cannot reach their full potential in today’s digital economy. Rose Kirk and Donna Epps from Verizon uncover why the digital divide is such a critical issue and what we can do to address it.

Accelerating America: a conversation about broadband access and affordability | Verizon

Without access to broadband, Americans cannot reach their full potential in today’s digital economy. Rose Kirk and Donna Epps from Verizon uncover why the digital divide is such a critical issue and what we can do to address it.

Addressing broadband affordability

CEO Hans Vestberg on expanding broadband access | Verizon

Americans are struggling to participate in today's digital world because they can’t afford broadband. Listen to an important conversation with Verizon CEO, Hans Vestberg, and U.S. mayors about how a lack of broadband is hurting communities and what our country needs to do to close the gap.

CEO Hans Vestberg on expanding broadband access | Verizon

Americans are struggling to participate in today's digital world because they can’t afford broadband. Listen to an important conversation with Verizon CEO, Hans Vestberg, and U.S. mayors about how a lack of broadband is hurting communities and what our country needs to do to close the gap.

The importance of broadband

Accelerating America - Our Broadband Plan | Verizon

The challenges associated with the digital divide are real. Without affordable, accessible broadband, families can’t work from home, participate in virtual learning, or access telehealth. These problems will exist long after the pandemic subsides, unless we develop a long-term solution.

Learn more
Accelerating America - Our Broadband Plan | Verizon

The challenges associated with the digital divide are real. Without affordable, accessible broadband, families can’t work from home, participate in virtual learning, or access telehealth. These problems will exist long after the pandemic subsides, unless we develop a long-term solution.

Learn more
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