Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released guidelines to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on how to inform their subscribers about the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Currently, the federal subsidy benefit is expected to run out of funding by May 2024, with new enrollments ceasing on February 8, 2024.

The following response can be attributed to David B. Dowart, Chairman of the National Lifeline Association (NaLA):

“Yesterday, bi-partisan legislation was introduced in Congress to fund the ACP through 2024.  NaLA joined hundreds of organizations in supporting that legislation and we thank Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Michael Lawler (R-NY-17), Marcus Molinaro (R-NY-19) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-4) for their leadership in introducing the bi-partisan, bi-cameral ACP Extension Act.

In the absence of certainty regarding future ACP funding, the FCC today announced ACP wind-down plans that would end the ability of eligible households to enroll in ACP as of February 8, 2024.

If allowed to go into effect, the ACP Enrollment Freeze would leave more than 20 million households across rural and urban America that are eligible for ACP support to stay connected to the Internet without access to it.

An Enrollment Freeze also would result in the dismantling of the unprecedented outreach infrastructure built by industry, public interest and civil rights organizations, and trusted community partner organizations.  Maintaining existing outreach capacity and partnerships is essential to the ACP’s success and ensuring that low-income consumers – no matter where they live – can afford Internet access that is essential for just about everything from access to jobs, healthcare, education and emergency services, to connecting with family, friends and community.

We urge Congress not to allow the ACP Enrollment Freeze to go into effect and to do so by passing before February 8, 2024 legislation that provides funding for the ACP through at least 2024. NaLA stands ready to work with Congress and all stakeholders to develop a sustainable source of ACP funding so that all low-income Americans can afford to stay connected to the Internet every month.”