A Permanent Solution for Connecting Low-Income Families

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been a transformative force, connecting more than 23 million households. It’s a true unicorn among public policies, attracting the support of 4 out of 5 Americans. Yet, despite the program’s massive success, the ACP is on life support. In mere months, it could run out of funds without quick action by Congress. This sobering reality is widely understood in Washington, DC. Receiving far less attention, however, is a solution hiding in plain sight: rolling the ACP into the Universal Service Fund (USF). Here’s how we achieve this goal:

1. Maintain Connectivity: Immediate action is necessary on Capitol Hill to provide stop-gap funding to keep the ACP operational while a permanent fix is put in place.

2. Modernize Universal Service Funding: The foundation of permanent reform lies in the long overdue modernization of support for the USF. 

3. Bring Big Tech to the Table: Funding for both the ACP and USF can be stabilized for the long haul in one fell swoop by bringing Big Tech to the table as long-overdue contributors to the nation’s shared commitment to helping low-income families get—and stay—online.

4. Streamline and Simplify: A modern funding formula can secure the future of both the ACP and USF programs by spreading the financial and social responsibility more equitably across the internet ecosystem.