Bernie Sanders Announces $150 Billion Plan to Provide Affordable Internet Access for All

Bernie Sanders’ “High Speed Internet for All” proposal has consumers in mind as it condemns Comcast, AT&T and Verizon’s tendencies to use the internet as a “price gouging profit machine.” The Democratic presidential candidate announced the plan today, which not only calls to treat the internet like a public utility, but it would also mandate service providers to offer basic broadband plans at affordable prices, CNBC reports.

“Access to the internet is a necessity in today’s economy, and it should be available for all. We are going to take on the greedy internet, telecom and cable monopolies and put an end to their absurd prices gauging,” Sanders said.

As part of the Green New Deal, Sanders would set aside $150 billion in grants and aid for local and state governments to build publicly owned broadband networks, so everyone would have access to the internet since it’s now a necessary tool for businesses and schools. The proposal would also put an end to “internet service provider and cable monopolies” and stop major cable and internet providers from “anticompetitive mergers,” according to Sanders’ campaign.

Sanders’ plan also puts $7.5 billion toward providing high-speed broadband in Native American communities and would ensure that people living in public housing have access to free broadband.