Energy, Utilities, & Telecommunications

Digital Divide

Broadband internet and reliable voice service are essential utility services for modern life. Low-wealth households and communities of color tend to be less connected to these essential communication services compared to wealthier households. NCLC advocates for programs and policies that will close this digital divide.

State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit

August 16, 2023

The National Consumer Law Center and the United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry produced a new State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit that contains resources to help frontline groups that are working to provide broadband and communication assistance to incarcerated people, people with disabilities, low-income households, veterans, aging and rural populations, people facing language barriers,…

Read More about: State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit
July 31, 2024
June 28, 2022

Recent

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Comments in Support of the FCC’s Proposed Rule to Unlock Cell Phones (Handsets)

October 18, 2024

Letter from 31 Public Interest Organizations to the FCC in Support of Opening a Rulemaking on Bulk Billing of Internet Service

July 31, 2024

Public Knowledge Sign-on Letter Re: Inclusion of Affordable Connectivity Program in Any Spectrum Auction Authority Legislation

March 21, 2024

Joint Letter to the FCC Urging Use of ACP Outreach Grants for ACP Wind Down Implementation

January 11, 2024

Affordable Broadband Groups Comments Regarding Universal Service Fund in Reclassification Docket

December 14, 2023

Congress Must Extend Affordable Connectivity Program Funding to Keep Kids Connected

September 11, 2023

New Resources for Frontline Groups Engaged in State Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Plans

August 17, 2023

State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit

August 16, 2023

Sign-on Comments to the FCC Regarding Implementation of the Safe Communications Act

April 12, 2023

Comments & Letters

View All for Comments & Letters
Comments in Support of the FCC’s Proposed Rule to Unlock Cell Phones (Handsets)

October 18, 2024

Letter from 31 Public Interest Organizations to the FCC in Support of Opening a Rulemaking on Bulk Billing of Internet Service

July 31, 2024

Public Knowledge Sign-on Letter Re: Inclusion of Affordable Connectivity Program in Any Spectrum Auction Authority Legislation

March 21, 2024

Joint Letter to the FCC Urging Use of ACP Outreach Grants for ACP Wind Down Implementation

January 11, 2024

Affordable Broadband Groups Comments Regarding Universal Service Fund in Reclassification Docket

December 14, 2023

Group Letter Urging the FCC to Reduce Phone Call Costs for People Who Are Incarcerated and to Ensure Accessible Communications for Incarcerated People with Disabilities

December 17, 2021

Group Letter to the Biden Administration Urging Quick Nomination of a 5th FCC Commissioner

June 11, 2021

Comments Regarding Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund Assistance

January 25, 2021

Group Comments in Support of NALA Petition of Waiver of Lifeline Mobile Broadband Minimum Standard and Voice Support Phase-Down

September 14, 2020

Issue Briefs

View All for Issue Briefs
State Digital Justice Advocacy Toolkit

August 16, 2023

A Guide for Advocates to Recent Federal COVID-19 Relief to Help Consumers Pay for Essential Energy, Water, and Broadband Service

September 28, 2022

Fact Sheet: Consumer Protections and the Affordable Connectivity Program

June 28, 2022

Apply Now for up to $30 a Month for Broadband Service with the Affordable Connectivity Program

February 22, 2022

The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

May 11, 2021

Broadband Service is a Racial Equity Priority

September 22, 2020

Digital Divide: Millions of Americans Have Limited or No Meaningful Access to the Internet

August 1, 2019

Press Releases & News

View All for Press Releases & News
Congress Must Extend Affordable Connectivity Program Funding to Keep Kids Connected

September 11, 2023

New Resources for Frontline Groups Engaged in State Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Plans

August 17, 2023

Key Broadband Affordability Wins in Biden’s Infrastructure Bill

November 8, 2021

Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to Launch Wednesday

May 11, 2021

President Biden’s American Jobs Plan Would Deliver Clean Water, Electric Transportation Grid, High-Speed Broadband, and Housing Equity

April 1, 2021

Advocates Applaud Passage of $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Economic Stimulus to Help Americans but Congress Must Ensure EIPs Feed Families, Not Debt Collectors

March 10, 2021

Important Wins, but Unmet Needs, in New Stimulus Package

December 22, 2020

Statement of National Consumer Law Center Advocate in Support of The Emergency Broadband Connections Act of 2020

June 29, 2020

National Consumer Law Center Advocates’ Statement Regarding U.S. House Passage of HEROES Act

May 15, 2020

From the NCLC Digital Library

Access to Utility Service

NCLC’s treatise on delivery of water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications, with everything a practitioner needs to know on metering, payments, telecommunications, and assistance programs.

Read Chapter One

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