What’s Next for the Affordable Connectivity Program: Can We Save ACP?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been a crucial support system for many low-income families across the United States. It gives them a $30 discount each month on their home broadband service.

But now, the program is in danger of ending soon, which could make the gap between those with internet access and those without even wider. The FCC has set up a plan for gradually winding down the ACP if it isn’t extended. This involves letting participating customers know and slowly stopping program activities.

Since February 7, the federal government has stopped accepting new people into the program, and grants for ACP outreach must also stop.

Nearly a year ago, experts and organizations like Brookings Metro warned about what could happen if the ACP ends. They predicted that the program would run out of money in late April or May 2024.

Now, we’re on the edge of this expiration, and efforts in Congress to keep the funding going are facing a tough challenge.

Impact of Program Expiration on Households and the Economy

The importance of the ACP has been confirmed through data collected during its two-year operation. A recent study revealed that participants in the program are concerned about losing their jobs, access to healthcare, and the potential for their children to fall behind in school if they lose their broadband connection.

Ending the ACP wouldn’t just affect these families; it would also have a widespread impact on the entire economy.

Research indicates that for every dollar invested in the ACP, the nation’s GDP increases by $3.89. This multiplier effect is almost double that of the larger Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which focuses on building digital infrastructure in areas without service.

Furthermore, cutting off broadband access for low-income individuals can lead to increased government costs, particularly in terms of healthcare expenses and fewer visits to emergency departments.

Support for Extending the Affordable Connectivity Program

From a policy standpoint, the ACP has garnered bipartisan backing. According to a recent poll, 79% of voters—spanning Republicans, Independents, and Democrats—favor keeping the program going.

Furthermore, a joint letter from 26 governors from both sides of the aisle has endorsed extending the ACP.

A proposed legislation, called the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, has been introduced with support from both parties in both houses of Congress. This bill aims to allocate an additional $7 billion to extend the program’s duration and ensure that households currently benefiting from it don’t lose their internet connection.

While the bill may encounter hurdles in Congress, the growing awareness of the program’s impending expiration and pressure from constituents could help gather support for its passage.

Legislative Efforts and Challenges

Extending the ACP encounters two major challenges: tackling program limitations and securing ample support in Congress.

Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act

The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, presented by a bipartisan and bicameral coalition of lawmakers, seeks to allocate extra funds to prolong the ACP and safeguard households from losing their internet access.

The legislation has garnered backing from a variety of politicians, including conservative Republican senators.

Obstacles to Passing the Extension Bill

Even with bipartisan backing for the ACP, there are hurdles to overcome in getting the extension bill passed.

Some lawmakers might raise concerns about the benefit levels or eligibility criteria of the program, while ongoing discussions about federal spending add another layer of complexity.

Furthermore, the limited timeframe to allocate funds presents a challenge in ensuring the seamless continuation of the program without interruptions.

Implications of the Program’s Potential Expiration on Various Stakeholders

The possible expiration of the ACP would carry significant implications for households, communities, broadband service providers, and states alike.

Affected households would be at risk of losing internet connectivity or accumulating debt, which could impede their ability to access services in the future.

Students would be vulnerable to losing internet access during the school year, potentially impacting their educational progress.

Communities that have invested in connecting residents to the ACP would encounter difficulties in maintaining trust in governmental initiatives.

Broadband service providers such as Airtalk Wireless and Cintex Wireless, who have crafted plans relying on ACP participation, may struggle to meet grant requirements and ensure the financial viability of their projects.

The discontinuation of the program could disrupt their operations and limit their capacity to serve low-income households.

Local and Congressional Actions to Save the Affordable Connectivity Program

To save the ACP, local leaders and congressional representatives must take action.

Strategies for Local Leaders to Influence Congress

Local leaders hold a vital role in advocating for the extension of the ACP. They can sign letters urging Congress to pass the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act and engage with broadband providers serving their communities.

By communicating with providers and emphasizing the significance of the program, local leaders can help garner support for its continuation.

It’s crucial for local leaders to ensure that broadband providers are committed to adhering to the consumer protection requirements set by the FCC. They can also encourage providers to engage with ACP customers regarding the extension bill and prompt them to reach out to Congress.

Through collaboration between local leaders and broadband providers, the voices advocating for the program’s extension can be amplified.

Advocacy Efforts and Tools for Individuals and Organizations

Individuals and organizations can actively engage in advocacy to preserve the ACP. Online toolkits provided by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and Common Sense Media offer valuable resources for advocates. Additionally, they can utilize state-specific fact sheets on ACP participation, regularly updated by the White House, to highlight the program’s positive impact on local communities.

The Affordable Connectivity Program has garnered broad bipartisan support and has become essential in narrowing the digital divide.

It’s crucial for advocates to act swiftly, impressing upon Congress the urgency of extending the program.

With concerted efforts, the ACP can be safeguarded, ensuring that participating households maintain their connectivity and that the program’s economic and political benefits continue to serve the country.