The Affordable Connectivity Program funding has expired.
The Federal Communications Commission has called on Congress to renew funding for a low-cost internet connectivity program instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Affordable Connectivity Program was created in December 2020 and eventually included over 23 million rural, suburban, and urban subscribers.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated “Too many working families have been trapped on the wrong side of the digital divide because they struggle to pay for the service. Additional funding from Congress remains the only near-term solution to keep this vital program up and running,”
“Each of the 23 million-plus ACP subscribers that no longer receives an ACP benefit represents an individual or family in need of just a little bit of help to have the connectivity we all need to participate in modern life,” she continued. “And 68% of these households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity before the ACP.”
The FCC chair said that those on fixed incomes, such as senior citizens, may have to choose between necessities, such as food or gas, and internet access.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chair Rosenworcel as she advocates for the affordable internet program.
- For FCC officials as they assess the benefits and costs of communications initiatives.
Sources: CBS News, Federal Communications Commission
