The Biden administration revealed this week it has cut a deal with more than a dozen major internet providers to provide high-speed internet for some 48 million American households for no more than $30 a month. Coupled with a giveaway in the $1 trillion infrastructure law, the deal means tens of millions of people will be getting free or discounted internet service.
Michael Morris, business associate editor for Media Research Center, says it's another freebie that's going to make the "Biden inflation crisis" even worse.
"The Biden administration seems to just want to hand out money for everything these days, running up trillions and trillions of dollars in debt – which is just about all the government is good for anymore," he tells AFN. "So, it's no surprise that they're wanting to hand out money for internet service as well."
As reported by The Associated Press, eligibility under the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will be based on household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level – or on participation in one of several government assistance programs.
Morris acknowledges internet access is important, but argues that a private sector solution would be more efficient and not wreak havoc on an already fragile economy.
"Anytime [the government] interjects themselves in the market at all … they [ultimately] cause prices to go up because it eliminates competition in the free market sphere," he explains. "So, the government is actually causing the problem that it's claiming to fix."
The MRC editor sees the ACP as another attempt to distract voters from a disastrous economy that will likely be in shambles for years. "There was a 1,200-point drop last week in a single day for the Dow Jones industrial average. Gas is going through the roof," he cites as examples. "They need a win – and they think that they could do that by giving handouts."
The ACP will be run by the Federal Communications Commission. If eligible, participants could also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
