As the coronavirus pandemic takes a toll on the economy, there is a growing movement to provide free or low-cost internet access to people living in poverty.

For example, the state of Massachusetts recently announced that it would provide internet access subsidies and give away free equipment to the unemployed. The pandemic has dramatically increased the number of unemployed people in the U.S. and around the world. Lack of internet access is a major barrier to getting people back to work and can hinder students from following distance learning, experts say.

“Broadband Internet is as essential to our daily lives as water and electricity, but it is not as widely available as those two utilities,” said Jeffrey Trzeciak, director of the Jersey City Free Public Library in New Jersey, in an email interview.

The Jersey City Library is distributing free wireless hotspots to residents who are struggling financially. Since March, the library has distributed about 300 hotspots, Trzeciak said.