The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is sounding the alarm that without immediate congressional action the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will begin running out of funds in April 2024 and be completly without money in May. This will result in millions of households losing financial support to afford internet services. Approximately 1,700 internet service providers across the country will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may be forced to disconnect service to households that no longer receive program support.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel is urgently requesting $6 billion from Congress to keep the program operational.
The urgent need for congressional action stems from the fact that while Congress initially allocated $14.2 billion for the ACP, further funding is essential to sustain the program.
Furthermore, the termination of the ACP could jeopardize the success of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP provides a stable customer base, incentivizing broadband deployment in rural and underserved areas.
Key facts:
- Launched on December 31, 2021 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Affordable Connectivity Program is the largest internet affordability program in U.S. history.
- The program has enrolled nearly 23 helping close the digital divide by bringing more households online.
- Under the current program, eligible low-income households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands.
- Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
- While the program helps connect households in rural and urban communities alike, rural households have enrolled at a higher rate than their urban counterparts.
This week, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in Congress. The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) published the following statement:
“The Fiber Broadband Association commends Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Jacky Rosen (R-NV) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY-9) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) for their bipartisan, bicameral leadership in introducing legislation that will allow the Affordable Connectivity Program to continue into 2024. More than 20 million households are currently benefiting from this important program, allowing them to fully participate in all aspects of the economy and society.” –Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association.