Veterans' connectivity crisis: Renewing internet program is critical for health, livelihoods

Lawmakers must prioritize the well-being of our veterans and their families by working together to ensure they have access to the care and support they need for today’s technologically-driven world. 

Unlike in the past, internet connectivity isn’t a luxury — it’s as necessary as electricity. But currently, this critical lifeline for veterans hangs in the balance as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) approaches the end of its funding this month.

Since 2022, the ACP has provided vital financial assistance to eligible Americans nationwide and has been particularly beneficial for veterans and their families with service-connected disabilities. The $14.2 billion program enacted under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program authorized under COVID relief legislation. Both programs were designed to ensure that households could afford broadband by offering monthly subsidies of $30 to $75 for eligible families that need access for work, school, health care and more.

To ensure that our veterans can continue to access the support they need to thrive, lawmakers must work together to pass legislation preserving the ACP. Without this assistance, 23 million people, including many veterans in tribal and rural areas, could lose access to essential services. And the consequences can be dire. 

Many veterans come from — and return to — vulnerable and marginalized communities and already face significant barriers to accessing care and support. Losing this subsidy will directly impact their ability to get the care they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. In 2022 alone, more than 2.2 million veterans used VA telehealth, and around a third of all veterans received care from the VA. And, according to a recent Mission Roll Call poll of veterans nationwide, one-quarter of respondents rely on the ACP to cover the cost of their internet service. Of those, six in ten anticipate losing internet access completely if the program ends. Veterans depend on these benefits and can’t afford to lose them.

Beyond telehealth, reliable internet access is necessary for many veterans and their families. As job searches and applications increasingly become digitized, reliable connectivity is essential for veterans seeking employment opportunities. Remote work can be especially impactful for disabled veterans and families of those with chronic conditions, as it gives them the opportunity to use their skills while managing their health and finding alternative ways to stay productive and engaged in their professional and personal lives. In addition, children need access to Wi-Fi for homework and e-learning, and spouses need connectivity for remote work, household expense management, and staying in touch with loved ones. Failing to renew the ACP threatens this stability.

The ACP is a key factor in ensuring all veterans have connectivity, especially those in rural areas. In fiscal year 2022, about one-third of the 8.3 million veterans enrolled in the VHA lived in a rural area. In addition, rural veterans had a 70 percent lower chance of receiving any mental health treatment compared to veterans living in urban areas. Unlike cities where coffee shops or libraries offer free Wi-Fi, rural communities often lack these options, directly limiting veterans’ potential employment opportunities, access to health care and ability to find community.

In today’s world, the internet provides social benefits and connections to communities. Many veteran nonprofits and informal interest groups help build a strong online community where veterans can experience the camaraderie that they remember from their time in service. For instance, my organization, Mission Roll Call, conducts polls via social media that inform our policy and activism within the veteran community. Other organizations build groups where veterans can continue their call to service in different ways. For example, Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during, and after disasters and crises. In addition, the internet is often a veteran’s first touchpoint to mental health resources or other information when experiencing a crisis. Losing this connection risks further isolating veterans and unnecessarily worsening their transition from active duty to civilian life.

For many, the ACP can be life-saving. It plays a crucial role by providing access to telehealth appointments, job opportunities and a connection to community resources. Without assistance, many veterans are left to fend for themselves, navigating the complexities of transitioning into civilian life without adequate support. Lawmakers must prioritize the well-being of our veterans and their families by working together to ensure they have access to the care and support they need for today’s technologically-driven world. 

Jim Whaley is the CEO of Mission Roll Call. He is the former director of communications at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. As a 20-year veteran of the Army, his awards and decorations include the Master Army Aviator Badge, Legion of Merit, Air Assault Badge and Humanitarian Service Medal.