Action Alert: Tell Congress to Pass Legislation to Fund the Affordable Connectivity Program
On January 8, 2024, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sent a letter to Congress, officially notifying legislators that the Commission is initiating wind-down procedures for the Affordable Connectivity Program. As you know, the Affordable Connectivity Program is the largest internet affordability program in our nation’s history, enabling 22.5 million households to access affordable high-speed internet. However, without action from Congress, this program will sunset later this spring, and millions of Americans may no longer be able to afford high-speed internet service.
On October 25, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration sent Congress a supplemental request for $6 billion to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The FCC has begun its process to wind down the program. We need congress to pass legislation to maintain access to free and discounted high-speed internet for eligible households.
This program touches every single community and state in the country. It is especially vital for so many people with disabilities who rely on this program to stay engaged with their communities, access healthcare services and participate in the workforce.
Take Action
Contact Congress using NCIL’s Advocacy & Action Center: members.ncil.org/action
Sample Message
Having reliable access to the internet is vital for people with disabilities. As we have seen during the COVID 19 pandemic, internet access is crucial for many to stay connected in their communities, obtain healthcare services, and also to participate in the workforce.
"The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that offers eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price." (FCC.gov)
Please pass legislation that would extend this program that is a lifeline for so many people including low income people with disabilities.
More Information
You can find state-by-state fact sheets with data on how many families are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, including estimates of percentages of households enrolled in ACP in every Congressional District at: https://bit.ly/48FdsR5
For more information, see our webinar, NCIL and Verizon Present: Affordable Connectivity Program – The Basics: https://bit.ly/3vL7rDO.
Communication Specialist
2moSuch an informative webinar, thank you for hosting!