Digital access a necessity for older Kansans

Kansas has a historic opportunity to expand access to affordable, reliable and high-speed internet to everyone in the state, no matter where they live or their circumstances.

Access, however, depends on more than wires, poles and other pieces of infrastructure. It also depends on making sure that internet service is affordable and that all Kansans have the tools and the skills to use it.

Kansas just had its Digital Equity Strategy Plan approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The approval is the first step in unlocking federal funding that can help underserved communities — including older Kansans, veterans, lowincome families, tribal communities, people living in rural areas and others — to connect to the internet.

The plan was developed after intense collaboration with stakeholders, partner organizations and public participation. Through that work, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development found that while Kansas has made significant strides in recent years to close digital gaps, it continues to face numerous challenges, especially in rural areas.

They found that the cost of monthly internet service remains a barrier to universal service in Kansas. They also found that a lack of digital skills and access to devices are significant barriers to broadband adoption.

AARP Kansas, on behalf of our 278,000 members, applauds the approval of our state's plan to expand highspeed internet access and adoption across our state.

High-speed internet is not a luxury. It is a necessity for older Kansans.

Better connectivity allows them to navigate online government services, participate in virtual medical services, find and maintain employment, meet daily needs and connect socially. In short, it will improve the quality of life and help adults 50-plus safely age in place.

This plan is Kansas' blueprint to tear down the digital divide in our state. There are several key strategies that have been identified to reduce barriers to internet access. Through implementation, Kansas will pursue efforts to improve overall broadband access, affordability, digital skills, access to devices, and sustain these efforts over time. This is no small task.

While putting this comprehensive plan together is a commendable start, there is still much work ahead of us. AARP Kansas looks forward to working with the Office of Broadband Development and other key stakeholders toward successful implementation of this plan.

Like other traditionally underserved groups, too many older adults have been left behind for too long.

We must also maintain our focus on ensuring that internet is affordable. As Kansas' plan demonstrates, wires alone can't solve the problem of connectivity. That's why AARP remains committed to the continuation of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides direct support to Kansans to help them afford internet service.

Eligible households can receive a benefit that provides a $30-$75 per month discount on the cost of highspeed internet. For many families, that can cover the entire cost of their service. There are more than 133,000 Kansas households on the Affordable Connectivity Program and over 43% of these are headed by a resident 50 or older.

Right now, the program is at risk of running out of money in May. As Kansas — working in collaboration with regional and local partners — works to close the digital divide, it's our hope that Congress will maintain this critical program.

Older adults in Kansas are counting on action. Glenda DuBoise is the state director for AARP Kansas.