Broadband subsidies for rural Americans are ending, putting telehealth at risk

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Myrna Broncho relies on broadband for medical care after a bad injury on her ranch. She's among millions facing a jump in costs or lost connections if the Affordable Connectivity Program expires.

iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/nx-s1-4978902/nx-s1-fad16f44-677a-4c3e-b3b4-79487eba47b5" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">Since signing on for the Affordable Connectivity Program last year, Myrna Broncho’s internet bill has been fully paid by the discount.

Broncho needed nine surgeries and rehabilitation that took months. Her hospital was more than two hours away in Salt Lake City and her home internet connection was vital for her to keep track of records and appointments, as well as communicate with her medical staff. There has been a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill, with lawmakers first attempting and failing to attach funding to the must-pass Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization. Afterward, Sen. Peter Welch traveled to his home state to tell constituents in tiny White River Junction that Congress was still working toward a solution.

Broncho had an internet connection before the subsidy, but on this reservation in rural southeastern Idaho, where she lives, about 40% of the 200 households enrolled in the program had no internet before the subsidy. Matthew Rantanen, director of technology for the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association, said the ACP was “extremely valuable.”

“You can guarantee a return on investment,” he said, explaining that the subsidies ensured customers could pay for internet service.

 

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Broadband subsidies for rural Americans are ending, putting telehealth at riskMyrna Broncho relies on broadband for medical care after a bad injury on her ranch. She's among millions facing a jump in costs or lost connections if the Affordable Connectivity Program expires.
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