H.R. 9144: Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026, seeks to enhance access to high-speed internet for families living in public housing. Here is a breakdown of what the bill aims to accomplish:

Utility Allowances for Internet Costs

The bill amends existing legislation related to public housing to include high-speed internet service as part of the utility allowance that families in public housing can receive. This means that the government will help cover the costs of internet service for eligible families. The specific provisions include:

• Inclusion of Internet Costs: The utility allowance will cover:
  • Monthly costs for high-speed internet service.
  • Rental or purchase costs for necessary equipment (like routers).
  • A one-time installation fee for the service.
• Cost Limitations: The monthly internet service cost included in the utility allowance will:
  • Not exceed the lowest available cost for such service in the area.
  • Exclude costs for cable or satellite television, or telephone services.
• Family Choice: This allows families to choose more expensive internet plans or bundled services if they wish, but the allowance will only cover the designated amount.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only households with children who qualify for free and reduced-price school lunches can have their high-speed internet costs included in the utility allowance.
• Protection Measures: Internet service providers must supply technology that can block or filter inappropriate content for minors when providing service to eligible households.

In summary, the bill aims to facilitate better internet access for eligible families in public housing, helping to bridge the digital divide and support educational opportunities for children by covering internet-related costs.

Relevant Companies

• T (AT&T): This telecommunications company could be affected as the demand for affordable high-speed internet services increases in areas with public housing, potentially leading to expanded service offerings.
• VZ (Verizon Communications): Similar to AT&T, Verizon may see impacts due to changes in demand for internet services among public housing residents.
• CNTE (CenturyLink): As a provider of internet services, CenturyLink could experience changes in its business strategies to accommodate the needs of new public housing utility allowances.