Many Floridians struggle to afford internet access, impacting their daily lives and connections

St. Augustine: Staying connected online is super important these days. For many folks in Florida, the internet is how they keep in touch with family, access healthcare, and stay informed. But with rising costs, internet bills can be a real burden, especially for seniors and families on tight budgets.
Last year, the Affordable Connectivity Program helped over 1.7 million households in Florida, including many seniors, get online affordably. But now that the program is defunded, these households might lose their internet access. Senior Consumers of America is urging Congress to reform the Universal Service Fund to ensure everyone can afford reliable broadband.
Here are three key steps that could really help:
First, let’s simplify access to affordable internet programs. Right now, there are a bunch of different programs under the USF, and they’re all over the place. If we could consolidate them into one easy-to-navigate plan, it would make life a lot easier for seniors and families trying to apply for affordable service.
Second, we need Big Tech to pitch in for universal connectivity. Companies like Google and Meta have thrived because people are online. They should help support a reformed USF to keep broadband affordable for everyone, not just those who can pay high fees. It’s only fair that they share the responsibility of keeping us all connected.
Lastly, we can’t lose momentum on expanding internet access. The pandemic showed us how vital the internet is for everything from virtual doctor visits to staying in touch with loved ones. We’ve made progress, with the number of Americans without internet dropping from 14% in 2021 to 12% in 2023. But without reform, we could slide backward, especially now that the ACP is gone.
At Senior Consumers of America, we hear from seniors daily about how important affordable internet is for their lives. Whether it’s refilling prescriptions, attending telehealth appointments, or just keeping in touch with family, they rely on that connection. If we don’t act now to strengthen the USF, thousands of Floridians could find themselves offline again.
We’re calling on our representatives to tackle these urgent needs and modernize the USF. For many, internet access isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential for staying connected to life. Congress has the power to make sure this vital service remains affordable and accessible for everyone, not just a select few. Let’s come together to ensure all Americans can stay connected.
Randy Ray is the chairman of Senior Consumers of America, based in St. Augustine.