Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Will Support Access to an Affordable Broadband Connection and Promote Greater Digital Equity

Press Release
January 6, 2022
Contact: Jon Conradi
[email protected]

Washington, D.C. – Connect Americans Now (CAN) executive director Richard T. Cullen released the following statement Thursday on the recent launch of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“Connect Americans Now applauds the FCC for starting 2022 by implementing permanent solutions to support broadband affordability and promote greater digital equity in every American community,” Cullen said. “CAN commends Congress and the administration for responding to the urgent need for permanent broadband adoption solutions by authorizing the ACP to build on temporary programs established during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“While much more must be done, the implementation of this program adds to the positive momentum for action to completely eliminate the digital divide,” Cullen continued. “Policymakers in Washington must continue to advance solutions to ensure every community in America has access to an affordable and reliable broadband connection and the devices necessary to unlock the full potential of digital technology.”

The ACP, established by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, replaces the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit, which helped nearly nine million Americans afford broadband service during the pandemic. While millions of Americans have taken advantage of the benefit to get connected, millions more are still eligible for the new relief and the FCC should work to ensure every eligible family is signed up to be able to afford crucial broadband service and digital tools.

The $14.2 billion program will allow eligible households to receive up to $30 per month toward broadband internet service and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. The program also allows households to receive a discount of up to $100 to purchase a device such as a laptop, computer or tablet. The discounts will help alleviate the costs for internet service and provide Americans, regardless of zip code, access to broadband and the devices they need to unlock the full potential of the 21^st century economy and digital tools.

Learn more about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program HERE.

Learn more about Connect Americans Now HERE.

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