A group of lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties recently introduced a $7 billion to fund the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). For households that qualify the stipend is a maximum of $30 a month in assistance, with households on tribal lands getting up to $75 a month.
Per CBS News,“The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act would offer a lifeline to a program that the FCC said it would need to begin taking steps to wind down this month in a letter from Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel addressed to members of Congress earlier this week. On Thursday the FCC released an order saying it would stop sign ups for the ACP beginning Feb. 7. The agency noted internet service providers will start notifying those on the program about its potential end by January 25.”
Chairwoman Rosenworcel commented on the situation, “If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service.” Rosenworcel also mentioned that the end of the program, without the new Act being passed, would affect around 1,700 internet service providers across the U.S.
Senator Peter Welch stated, "Access to high-speed internet isn't a luxury anymore, it's a necessity. That's why it's never been so important to avoid this funding cliff and extend the ACP."
