December 22, 2020 – BSA | The Software Alliance applauds US lawmakers for including $7 billion for broadband connectivity in the COVID relief package. The package’s $50 monthly emergency broadband benefit will help low-income households and residents who became unemployed during the pandemic access virtual learning and new job opportunities.

“Access to a high-speed Internet connection should be available to all Americans. It makes remote work and distance learning possible and will be key to economic recovery and growth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Craig Albright, Vice President, Legislative Strategy at BSA | The Software Alliance. “In addition to emergency funds for low-income families to access broadband, we were pleased to see that the COVID relief package includes additional funding to create a tribal broadband fund, support telehealth services, and complete accurate broadband maps. We commend Congress for focusing its attention on the broadband affordability crisis that existed before the pandemic and has become even more relevant this year.”