Reactions to Lawmakers' Introduction of Legislation to Extend the Affordable Connectivity Program

“The Affordable Connectivity Program has helped close the digital divide by connecting over 25,000 Vermont households to lower-cost internet—an essential for working, learning, and staying connected to our communities. 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,” said Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). “The ACP Extension Act will help ensure families, seniors, and workers in Vermont can continue to access this program, and in-turn continue to access high-speed, reliable broadband at an affordable rate. We’re going to keep working across the aisle and across the Capitol to deliver on this area of common ground agreement.”

“Over a million deserving households in Ohio receive low-cost internet access thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program. I’m proud to co-sponsor this bipartisan effort to ensure this successful program continues to deliver results,” said Senator JD Vance (R-OH). “This is exactly the type of program my family would have benefited from if I was growing up in Ohio today. We must ensure low-income families all across Ohio, from our bustling cities to the most rural parts of Appalachia, aren’t cut off from the online banking, schooling, and connectivity services they need.”

“The Affordable Connectivity Program that I helped create through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making high-speed internet more affordable for over 260,000 Nevada families and saving them an estimated $7.3 million every month,” said Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). “In this day and age, high-speed internet is essential for every Nevadan, and I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to keep it affordable and lower costs for hardworking families.”

“The Affordable Connectivity Program has been critical to connecting our most remote and underserved communities to the rest of North Dakota and the world. Our legislation bridges the digital divide by keeping this program funded and operational through unspent COVID-19 funds so every farmer, student, veteran, or senior citizen in North Dakota stays connected. By maintaining affordable access to high-speed internet, we are helping contribute to our state and country’s economic growth,” said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND).

“We live in an increasingly digital world where broadband internet access has become a necessity for everyday life. Every month, nearly 1.8 million New Yorkers – from students and educators to older Americans and veterans – rely on the Affordable Connectivity Program to help pay for their internet bill. Across the nation, more than 22 million American households already rely on the ACP for internet access,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY). “The bipartisan, bicameral Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act provides a transformative opportunity to bridge the gap of the digital divide for communities of color, urban and rural families, and so many more underserved Americans. I’m proud to join my colleagues to extend critical funding for this all too important program.”

“Congress must engage to help bridge the digital divide among Americans and increase accessibility to reliable broadband for all of our communities,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). “The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ensures that families in need have access to high-speed broadband, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bipartisan, bicameral bill to extend funding for this critical program.”

“Rural, suburban, and urban communities across the country are online today because of the success of the Affordable Connectivity Program," said Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "Nearly 23 million households are connecting to education, work, health care, and more thanks to this monumental investment in broadband access and affordability.  I’m grateful to Sens. Welch and Vance, and Reps. Clarke and Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan leadership as we seek to maintain the historic progress we’ve made through this program."

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said, “The Affordable Connectivity Program is helping over 22 million households here in America get online, stay online, and secure the opportunities that only broadband can deliver in the 21st-century. Rural, urban, and native Americans alike have come to rely on the ACP as part of their vibrant future. That’s why I first called for action to sustain ACP funding back in March of 2023, and applauded President Biden’s decision to include ACP funding in his domestic supplemental request this past October. It’s also why I’m thrilled to support the bipartisan and bicameral Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which would keep ACP funded through a $7 billion appropriation. I thank Representatives Clarke, Fitzpatrick, Torres, Dingell, Soto, Lawler, D’Esposito, and Molinaro, and Senators Welch, Vance, Rosen, and Cramer for their leadership on this critical issue. Momentum behind sustaining ACP continues to build, and millions of Americans are counting on us to find a solution. Let’s get it done.”

“Thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program, nearly 23 million households in every corner of the country – in rural, urban, suburban, and Tribal lands – have broadband connectivity today," said FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez. "We are at a critical time for this program.  A loss of funding will mean a loss of trust in this public-private partnership that could squander this opportunity to close the digital divide.  I am heartened to see bipartisan Congressional efforts led by Senators Welch and Vance and Representatives Clarke and Fitzpatrick.  I remain hopeful that this program will continue to be funded.”

“The National Congress of American Indians is pleased to support the “Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024,” said NCAI President Mark Macarro. "Tribal communities and Native Americans and Alaska Natives residing on tribal lands remain the most underserved population when it comes to broadband access and infrastructure.  The broadband subsidies for residents on tribal lands will help bridge the gap that exists for our members to have access to educational tools, telehealth, and economic opportunities.  We applaud the bipartisan effort by Senators Welch and Vance in introducing this legislation that will ensure access to this program through the remainder of 2024.”

"The digital divide holds the entire nation back. Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States—and is an important part of our social safety net, allowing us all to contribute to building our nation," said Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss. "The Affordable Connectivity Program is a lifeline for over 22 million people including low-income households, Veterans, people in rural areas, and students. ACP connects them to healthcare, to new employment opportunities, to school, to family, and to friends. Without additional funding, over 22 million people, our neighbors, are at risk of losing this vital connection to opportunity and prosperity. The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society calls for swift passage of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 so we can continue to close the digital divide and work towards truly universal broadband."

“The ACP is the rare broadband policy that is supported by everyone in the ecosystem – industry, public interest and digital equity advocates, local, state and federal officials, Republicans and Democrats," said Gigi Sohn, Executive Director, American Association for Public Broadband. "Yet the program is at serious risk of ending this April unless Congress swiftly acts to extend it. Passage of the ACP Extension Act will help keep American households connected while giving Congress and the FCC time to consider how best to make the ACP a permanent program.”

“We commend Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Senator Peter Welch (D-VT), and Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) for their commitment to securing the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program," said Kathryn de Wit, Project Director for the Pew Charitable Trusts Broadband Access Initiative (BAI). "These lawmakers understand that ‘universal broadband’ means connections must be available and affordable, not available or affordable. But among the larger field, there remains a glaring disconnect between those concepts. ACP is currently helping 22 million households afford their internet service, but it is also providing certainty to the internet service providers, states, and other partners currently developing strategies to bring millions more unserved Americans online. We encourage Congress to follow the leadership of these members as lawmakers continue to call for effective deployment of federal broadband funds, particularly the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Take action to protect affordable connections today and safeguard affordable and available connections in the years to come.”

“We applaud Representatives Clarke and Fitzpatrick for championing digital equity by introducing legislation to keep over 22 million households connected through the Affordable Connectivity Program. We urge their colleagues in Congress to support this legislation as we work to identify solutions for the long-term sustainability of ACP," said Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

“Free Press Action is immensely grateful for this bipartisan effort to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program," said Free Press Action Internet Campaign Director Heather Franklin. "Low-income families have come to rely on the ACP to make ends meet and ensure they have the ability to participate in everyday life. Without renewed ACP funding, more than 22 million households could run out of the support they need to pay their broadband bill in less than four months. The program has proven greatly beneficial to rural, urban and suburban families, which is why it enjoys bipartisan support in Washington and state capitals around the country. If we’re serious about closing the digital divide in the United States, we must get the cost of connectivity under control. The ACP plays a central role in doing that while providing people everywhere with access to a resource that's become essential to our collective well being. It’s now time for others in Congress to join in support of this vital effort and extend funding for affordable high-speed internet access for everyone."

Sara Collins, Director of Government Affairs at Public Knowledge, said, “Public Knowledge is pleased to see Senator Welch and Reps. Fitzpatrick and Clarke champion the continued funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program with bipartisan support. Twenty-five million families depend on this subsidy in order to afford broadband – which connects people to vital employment opportunities, education, and healthcare services every day. Congress must continue to fund this program or millions of people will lose the internet they depend on. Scores of members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have expressed support for continuing this program. Now leadership has a bill that can achieve it just in time to be included in a funding bill. If Congressional leaders ignore this crisis and fail to renew the ACP, millions of Americans will be at risk of losing their online connection to work, healthcare, education, and critical information. Now is the time for Congress to act to keep families connected.”

Chhaya Kapadia, Chief of Staff at the Open Technology Institute at New America, said, “Funding for ACP is not merely a nice-to-have—it is a critical social and economic investment that brings access to jobs, educational opportunities, improved health, and other essential resources that people need to thrive in our digital economy and society. One in every six American households currently depend on ACP to afford their broadband internet, and more than double that number are eligible but not yet enrolled in the program. The ACP is working, and with the passage of this bill it can go much farther—if we give it a chance.”

“Common Sense Media welcomes the introduction of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 and thanks Reps. Clarke and Fitzpatrick, and Sens. Welch, Vance, Rosen, and Cramer. for their leadership at this critical moment for connectivity in America," said Amina Fazlullah, Head of Tech Policy Advocacy, Common Sense Media. "Without an extension, the program is estimated to run out of funds in April, and recipients and providers desperately need certainty that this program will not lapse...If Congress fails to extend this program quickly, millions of families across the country are at risk of losing this benefit in the middle of this school year.  The lapse of ACP will also negatively impact families in rural communities who are about to benefit from historic investments in broadband infrastructure deployment.  Our research found that without ACP,  providers building broadband in rural communities would face increased costs. We look forward to working closely with Reps. Clarke and Fitzpatrick and Sens. Welch, Vance, Rosen, and Cramer and their colleagues to quickly pass this bill and secure continued funding for the ACP.”

“The internet is no longer optional – it’s essential," said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "Without broadband, our local communities cannot access opportunities in education, and employment, nor speak out online and exercise their First Amendment rights. Households who struggle to afford broadband shouldn’t have to sacrifice other necessities to stay connected. The Affordable Connectivity Program has proved to be so necessary that it is facing a funding cliff. But, the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act could stop families from falling off. We are grateful to the bill sponsors for looking out for families in need.”

Margaret Käufer, President of the STEM Alliance, said, “To bridge the digital divide, we take a three-pronged approach to digital equity, providing tech skills education, internet-ready devices, and assisting clients in applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit. Every day in our work, we witness the impact of internet access and the ability it has to transform people’s lives. Since 2020, we have reached nearly 2,000 clients to assist with their digital needs. Through our nationally recognized digital equity project The Y-Zone, we helped over 200 families in the City of Yonkers alone apply for ACP. We have now expanded our efforts throughout Westchester County to meet the high demand for assistance with the ACP application process. The STEM Alliance strongly advocates for the support of the upcoming House and Senate bills funding the ACP.”

“The Affordable Connectivity Program has already helped more than 22 million households save money on their internet bills and has quickly become an essential tool in the fight to close the digital divide," said Kyle Lierman, CEO of CivicNation. "Civic Nation has been working to enroll people in the ACP for the last year through our leadership of the Online For All campaign and we are thrilled to see Members of Congress taking action to ensure the continuation of this important program.”

“Our nation cannot afford the risk of losing the success that the Affordable Connectivity Program has provided for families to compete in the digital economy, access employment, online education, remote work, entrepreneurship opportunities, telehealth services, and participate in civil engagement," said Melanie Campbell, President and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation. "The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024, would continue the success of the Affordable Connectivity Program to narrow the digital gap in millions of households across the nation. This Act would continue to help families and children to stay connected and continue to experience the transformative power of high-speed home broadband service in their lives.”

“Access to affordable broadband services is essential for full participation in today’s democracy, economy, and emerging technology. The Affordable Connectivity Program plays an important role in connecting those who need broadband service the most. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 is a bi-cameral, bi-partisan solution ensuring the digital divide continues to shrink, and that the federal government’s investment in broadband infrastructure remains equitable. We appreciate the efforts of Representative Clarke, Representative Fitzpatrick, Senator Welch, and Senator Vance to continue to ensure the 22 million households remain connected, and that millions more still have the opportunity to enroll in this important program," said the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

“Members of the Communications Workers of America have a longstanding commitment to making sure that every household in America has reliable high-speed internet service. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 means that, at long last, that goal is within reach...We are proud of the contribution we make by building, maintaining, and supporting our nation’s communications infrastructure, and we have seen firsthand the impact that the digital divide has had on low income, rural and tribal communities in every state and county across our country. We thank Representatives Fitzpatrick and Clarke for introducing the ACP Extension Act and urge Congressional leaders to support this funding request and to work with us to ensure that internet service remains affordable for everyone," said Communications Workers of America.

“I hope it is a no-brainer that every member of Congress would support this bipartisan effort to fund the ACP, which has proven to be critical in rural communities, urban centers, and everywhere in between,” said NewDEAL Forum CEO Debbie Cox Bultan. “Before anyone loses their internet access, Congress must act to shore up this crucial program, either as stand-alone legislation or as part of a broader funding agreement.”

“Everyone should have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet service," said AARP. "The ACP, created by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has helped more than 22 million households—including 10 million age 50 and older—get and stay online, ensuring they have access to essential services, such as telehealth visits with their doctors and virtual check-ins with caregivers, as well as the ability to stay connected with friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, funding for the ACP is projected to run out in mid-2024, leaving millions of older Americans without access to affordable internet service. This legislation will prevent this disruption in high-speed internet service and will make certain that state broadband infrastructure deployment projects, which are already underway, can reach as many customers as possible and help close the digital divide.”

“EducationSuperHighway is proud to endorse The Affordable Connectivity Extension Act of 2024 and applaud Representatives Clarke, Fitzpatrick, and Senator Welch for their leadership. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is critical to closing the broadband affordability gap, which keeps 17 million U.S. households offline and is two-thirds of our nation’s digital divide. Over 22M U.S. households rely on the ACP to get internet service and stay connected to the digital economy, education, healthcare, the social safety net, and critical government services. As states prepare to make the most significant broadband investments in history using their Broadband Access, Equity, and Deployment (BEAD) allocation, we have an unprecedented opportunity to bridge America’s digital divide. We urge Congress to take action to fund this popular program with bipartisan support," said EducationSuperHighway.

“ConnectLakeCounty works with low-income residents in the northeast part of Illinois. We have helped over 500 people enroll in the ACP and apply their benefit to an internet plan. We’ve provided support to well over 1000 other residents to access the ACP benefit.  We hear daily from residents that without the ACP they would either cancel their internet service or pause their service for a period of time. Almost 25% of the households we have helped did not previously subscribe to an internet plan. Without additional funding for the ACP countless households in Lake County, IL (the third most populous county in the state) will no longer have access to evolving technology in all aspects of their life,” said ConnectLakeCounty

Odie Gray, President of the Diversity Cyber Council, said, “We now live in the digital era where technology has become the foundation of our society, by ensuring the sustainability of the Affordable Connectivity Program we fortify digital connectivity as a basic human right and the path towards accessibility for all.”

Brittany Woods-Orrison, Broadband Specialist of AKPIRG, said, “Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG) supports the ACP bill because this program helps 22,260 Alaskans afford the internet. Alaska has the least financially accessible internet with no plans being under $60, rather costing hundreds of dollars a month, and even multitudes of cases where families paid over a $1000 due to added fees."

“Austin Urban Technology Movement supports the continued funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP increases access, affordability, and adoption of broadband, thus closing the digital divide and expanding digital opportunity across the United States,” said Austin Urban Technology Movement.

“As a network of providers that works across sectors to empower households with low-incomes and combat the causes and conditions of poverty, we support the expansion of the Affordable Connectivity Program. We recognize that in a world where opportunity is increasingly digital, we cannot adequately fulfill our mission without tools like the ACP program. We believe this legislation will strongly benefit families throughout Utah, especially rural Utahns and seniors,” said the Community Action Partnership of Utah.

“Extending the Affordable Connectivity Program will be critical to improving the lives of those who most need it for work, school, and quality of life.  Access to affordable internet is a right to every person, not a privilege to the few who can afford it,” said Neighborhood Allies.

“Epitome of Epilepsy supports the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)," said JenVon Cherry, Founder & President of Epitome of Epilepsy. "This is a bill we can get behind. Digital equality is extremely important and not all communities have access.”

“The Arizona Digital Inclusion Network (ADIN) endorses in the strongest possible terms the House and Senate bills soon to be introduced to continue funding the Affordable Connectivity Program. As a country, we cannot remove subsidies that are providing affordable, life-changing internet service for more than 20 Million households! We need to retain those existing benefits and continue to sign households up to ensure that all Americans who wish to be online have that opportunity,” said Arizona Digital Inclusion Network.

“Extending funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) beyond the spring of 2024 will allow many of the low-income adults that Community Tech Network (CTN) serves to continue accessing the internet. Without this subsidy, some of our learners will no longer be able to afford access. We urge Congress to pass Representatives Clarke and Fitzpatrick’s bill to continue offering ACP to communities that need it as a lifeline to information, resources, opportunities and social connections. Its positive impact on millions of Americans’ lives cannot be understated and its loss would profoundly set back the progress we’ve made in closing the largest aspect of the digital divide – internet affordability,” said Community Tech Network.

“The Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center is committed to continuation funding for affordable broadband service through the ACP. Of the 14,000 unduplicated clients we serve with food and wrap-around services, all are below 185% of the Federal Poverty level and most are economically vulnerable. In the rural areas, incomes are particularly low and the lack of digital equity severely limits access to education, jobs, healthcare, This funding can help to break the cycle of generational poverty in our service areas in Arizona south of Tucson,” said the Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center.

“Human-I-T actively champions the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) as a cornerstone of societal progress. We not only advocate for its continued funding but are deeply engaged in hands-on initiatives to amplify its impact, providing technological resources and education to those who stand to lose the most should the ACP face defunding. Our message to Congress is clear and urgent: the defunding of the ACP is a direct blow to our collective efforts in eradicating the digital divide, and we implore you to act with conviction and foresight in preserving this essential program, aligning with our own relentless pursuit to connect, empower, and transform lives through access to life-changing technology,” said Human-I-T.

“Mississippi has historically been a poor and impoverished state ranking Number 1 in the nation with the highest poverty rate of 19.1% and 42% under the 200% poverty line.   The ACP program has brought connectivity and opportunities for success to over 215 thousand households across Mississippi. Probably for the first time in history, those 215 thousand household have a chance to better themselves through accessing opportunities connectivity affords in education, healthcare and a better way of life,” said the Mississippi Broadband Association.

“Tech Goes Home is encouraged by the introduction of the ACP Extension Act, which would recapitalize the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that has made the internet more affordable and accessible for millions of individuals and families – in Massachusetts and across the country," said Dan Noyes, CEO, Tech Goes Home. "We have seen the ACP’s positive impact firsthand: helping individuals and families do everything from exploring new employment opportunities to accessing health care to connecting with loved ones. With just months to go before millions are at risk of losing this vital support, we thank the sponsors of this legislation for taking an important step toward ensuring the ACP is funded, and we urge Congress to take swift action to protect this essential program and make sure it is sustainable for the long-term.”

“Online access plays a crucial role in a person’s ability to connect with essential public health information, social services, and digital healthcare services, all of which have been linked to improved health outcomes and quality of life.  The Affordable Connectivity Program currently helps over 12,000 families in Tempe, AZ, including low-income older adults aged 50+ who receive reliable high-speed internet and the online access necessary to participate in modern life.  The City of Tempe believes the continued funding for this program is vital to ensure low-income families in Tempe are able to remain digitally connected," said Connect Tempe.

“As a southern Arizona non-profit organization that reaches over 1,500 adults each year in need of basic skills development, Literacy Connects strongly urges the continuation of the ACP subsidy program for low-income households. Lack of affordable internet is one of the most significant barriers for our adult learners who are trying to improve their basic skills and English language, find jobs, support their children’s education, and get adequate healthcare. We must not pull the rug out from under the 500,000 Arizonans who are finally receiving affordable internet, and urge Congress to extend the funding for ACP while we work at all levels to find permanent solutions to the national crisis of digital equity, access and inclusion,” said Literacy Connects.

“The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) supports this bipartisan bill to secure additional funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)," said David B. Dorwart, Chair, National Lifeline Association (NaLA). "With the $7 billion in appropriated funds, we can ensure the 22 million households currently using the program do not lose their mobile and fixed internet access. Broadband is crucial to participate in all aspects of modern life and the funding from the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 is crucial so no household is left behind.”

“Our members are competitive providers who are bringing faster, more affordable internet to communities across the country," said Angie Kronenberg, CEO of INCOMPAS. "We’ve heard directly from them that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been a huge driver for deployment and has connected millions of households across the country. With the program in danger of running out of funding by early next year, we wholeheartedly support this piece of legislation to ensure it continues. Connectivity should not be a partisan issue; we urge all Members of Congress to recognize the immense value that connectivity brings not only to individuals but to our society as a whole and swiftly fund this program.”

“The ACP is critical for Rural Vermonters. Losing it would leave these families in digital darkness," said Christine Hallquist, Executive Director of the Vermont Community Broadband Board. "Education, medical services, agricultural success, financial transactions, and social interaction, to name a few, are dependent on broadband connections. We have created hope and trust for those struggling Vermonters who are participating in the program. We can’t take it away now.”

“NEK Broadband supports the ‘Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024’ as a way to bridge a gap in funding to provide high-speed internet service at a reduced cost to income-sensitive Vermonters. As the most rural Communications Union District in Vermont, including 3 of the 4 counties with the lowest per capita income, reducing the cost of maintaining internet service is critical to bridging the digital divide for our customers. This important Act, co-sponsored by Vermont Senator Welch, extends the Affordable Connectivity Program to provide time to create more lasting solutions. Affordable connectivity solutions are critical for NEK Broadband’s mission of making high-speed internet accessible to all residents of our district," said NEK Broadband, Vermont.

Jonathan Spalter, USTelecom President & CEO said, "The ACP helps nearly 23 million low-income American households access affordable, reliable broadband. And yet, despite the program’s immense success, its funding is expected to run out in a matter of months. The ACP Extension Act of 2024 is a critical and common-sense step towards keeping these millions of families online and fulfilling our nation’s bipartisan commitment to bridging the digital divide once and for all."

NCTA – The Internet & Television Association said, "With more than 22 million American households now relying on it, the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is vital to bridging the digital divide, and we must ensure it continues to receive funding. We thank Sens. Welch, Vance, Rosen and Cramer and Reps. Fitzpatrick, Clarke, Lawler, Torres, Molinaro, Dingell, D’Esposito and Soto for their leadership on this important issue and urge Congress to swiftly approve the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024. With the internet such an integral part of our daily lives, ensuring the ACP has adequate funding is a critical national priority.”

“The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) commends Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-9) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Senators Peter Welch (VT) and J.D. Vance (OH) for their bipartisan, bicameral leadership in introducing legislation that will allow the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to continue into 2024," said Gary Bolton, CEO, Fiber Broadband Association. "More than 20 million households are currently benefiting from this important program, allowing them to fully participate in all aspects of the economy and society.”

“Thank you to Senators Welch and Vance, and Representatives Clarke and Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan work to introduce legislation to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program," said Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs at CTIA. "Keeping this program funded is a crucial element in closing the digital divide. More than 20 million American households rely on the ACP, with more than half using it to subscribe to wireless broadband – to access the internet to stay connected to work, school, telehealth, and other vital parts of our society.”

Derrick Owens, Senior Vice President for Government and Industry Affairs at WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband said, “ACP is a key part of making sure broadband is affordable for all Americans. We support the introduction of the ACP Extension Act and look forward to working with policymakers on both passage and the development of a long-term solution to ACP viability.”

WIA President and CEO Patrick Halley said, “All Americans deserve access to broadband. WIA is proud to support the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 and the $7 billion it would provide to help families afford the connectivity they need to thrive. We thank the strong bipartisan collection of Congressional supporters for their leadership on this important issue and we urge swift passage in the Senate and the House before ACP funding lapses.”

“T-Mobile supports an extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program by Congress and has championed the program for years in our work to connect underserved Americans," said Tony Russo, Vice President, Federal Legislative Affairs for T-Mobile. "We applaud Senators Welch and Vance, and Representatives Clarke and Fitzpatrick for introducing bipartisan legislation to help millions of Americans stay connected to the internet.”

“Google Fiber is pleased to see this bill introduced to add funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program," said Google Fiber. "In many cases, access to ACP is the difference between a family choosing to sign up for the internet, or having no access at all. With the internet today considered a lifeline service for many, ACP is critical. The world as we know it today relies on the ability to get online. Without the ACP, more than 22 million American households could lose the benefit that allows them to afford an internet connection.”

“Congress should move quickly to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program," said Kate Tummarello, Executive Director of Engine. "Affordable Internet access is a key component of making sure the innovation ecosystem is accessible to all now as well as accessible to the next generation of startup founders in communities across the country that have historically been excluded.”

“The ACP program allows millions of Americans to connect to jobs, education, and healthcare," said TruConnect. "We proudly support the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024, as it allows companies like ours to keep bridging the digital divide and ensure everyone is able to participate in the information economy.”

“At Lumos, we believe that everyone should have access to the fastest internet. For us, this means building our high-speed fiber optic network in many low-income, unserved, and underserved communities in the mid-Atlantic. We’re proud to participate in the ACP, which is an important tool that Internet Service Providers use to help close the digital divide. Today, many of our customers benefit from Lumos’s participation in the ACP program, and we urge Congress to pass this bill so that our communities can continue to participate fully in today’s digital economy," said Lumos Fiber.

Elliot Noss, CEO, Ting Internet & Tucows, said, “The internet is deeply intertwined with our daily lives, and we’ve come to rely on it as we do with other utilities like water or electricity. Because internet access is an essential service, the federal government must continue making access more affordable for low-income Americans and Ting whole-heartedly supports the extension of ACP to ensure that the 20+ million American households currently enrolled continue to remain connected.”

“ALLO Communications (‘ALLO’) provides world-class fiber internet, voice, TV, and other managed services to customers across Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona. ALLO is a proud participant in the Affordable Connectivity Program (‘ACP’) and strongly supports the ACP Extension Act. ACP is an essential program that enables many lower-income Americans to access high-quality broadband internet. In today’s world, access to a reliable home internet connection is a necessity. It empowers individuals and families to utilize many essential services and capabilities including remote work, distance learning, telehealth, and other online resources. Without the ACP, more than 22 million American households could lose the benefit that allows them to afford an internet connection. Extending the ACP will help bridge the digital divide for these Americans. We urge you to support this important piece of legislation," said ALLO Communications.

Supporters of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 Include:

#OaklandUndivided
A Healthier Democracy
AARP
Access Humboldt
Action for Boston Community Development
Addison County Communications Union District (dba Maple Broadband)
African Family Holistic Health Organization
Afterschool Alliance
Afterschool STEM Hub
Age Friendly Committee
Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
AgeWell at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh
Alaska Communications
Alaska Library Association
Alaska Public Interest Research Group
Alaska Telecom Association
All4Ed
Alleghenies Broadband, Inc.
Alleluia Ministries
Allentown Digital Inclusion Initiative
Alliance for Digital Equity (Western Mass.)
Alliance for Navajo Broadband
Allies for Children
ALLO Communications
Altice USA
American Association for Public Broadband
American Broadband & Telecommunications
American Civil Liberties Union
American Library Association
AmeriMex Communications dba SafetyNet Wireless
Angels of Epilepsy, Inc.
Appalshop CMI
Aristotle Unified Communications Inc.
Arizona Broadband for All
Arizona Broadband Stakeholder Network Digital Access Task Force
Arizona Digital Inclusion Network
Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation
Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology
Arizona Technology Council
Arkansas Community Foundation
ASC3
Ashtabula County Commissioners
Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC
Assist Wireless
Association for Rural & Small Libraries
AT&T
Austin Free-Net
Austin Urban Technology Movement
AZ Cyber Initiative
Baltimore County Public Library
Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition
Benefits Data Trust
Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
Beyond Literacy
Black Women's Roundtable
Blue Mountain Action Council
Brightspeed
Brooklyn Public Library
Buckeye Hills Regional Council
Byte Back
California IT in Education (CITE)
California LGBT Arts Alliance
Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation
Carroll Technology & Innovation Council
Center for New Americans
Center for Rural Strategies
Central New York Digital Inclusion Coalition
Centre WISP Venture Company, LLC
CfAL for Digital Inclusion
CGM, LLC
Charter Communications
Chicanos Por La Causa
Chief Officers of State Library Agencies - COSLA
Children's Defense Fund-Southern Region Office
Chinese Information and Service Center
City of Austin, Texas
City of Boston
City of Fitchburg
City of Mesa
City of New Bedford, Massachusetts
City of Philadelphia Office of Innovation & Technology
City of Phoenix
City of Pittsburgh
City of Portland, Oregon
City of Tempe, Community Health & Human Services
City of Yonkers, NY
Civic Nation
Coalition for Community Schools
Coconino County
Coconino County Community Action
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Education Service Agency
Color Of Change
Colorado Broadband Office
Colorado Community Action Association
Comcast
Commnet Wireless, LLC
Common Cause
Common Roots Housing Trust
Common Sense
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Broadband Policy and Development Office
Communications Workers of America Arizona State Council
Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO
Communities Unlimited, Inc.
Community Action Partnership of North Dakota
Community Action Partnership of Utah
Community Action Pioneer Valley
Community Broadband Action Network
Community Council
Community Media Access Collaborative
Community Resource Center (NY)
Community Services Network of Wyoming
Community Tech Network (CTN)
Community Tech New York (CTNY)
Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission, City of Austin
Compudopt
Computer Reach
Computers 2 Kids
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Congolese Integration Network (CIN), Seattle
Congolose Community of Washington State
Connect Humanity
Connect Your Community Institute
Connected Nation
Connected York County
Connectivity For Good
ConnectLakeCounty
Consortium for School Networking - CoSN
Consumer Reports
Council Bluffs Community School District
Council for Affordable and Rural Housing
Council for Opportunity in Education
Cox Communications
CTIA
Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services
Dallas Innovation Alliance
Defy Mobile
Demand Progress
Denver Area Educational Telecommunications Consortium
Denver Housing Authority
Denver Public Library
Digital Equity Institute
Digital Equity Learning Network of King County
Digital Harbor Foundation
Digital Mobility
Digitunity
Diversity Cyber Council
DOROT
Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Library
Drexel University, ExCITe Center
Dunham Public Library
E-Rate & Educational Services, LLC
E-Rate Central
E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide
East LA Community Corporation
Easy Wireless
EducationSuperHighway
Engine
enTouch Wireless
Epilepsy Foundation
Epitome of Epilepsy
Evergreen Goodwill Northwest
EveryLibrary Institute
EveryoneOn
Families for Freedom
Fiber Broadband Association
Financial Services Innovation Coalition
Finger Lakes Digital Inclusion Coalition
FlexSource, Inc.
Forward Thinking Communities
Foxx Development Inc
Free Geek
Free Press Action
Frontier Wireless Corporation
Garrigan Foundation
Geeks Without Frontiers
Georgia Public Library Service
Gigabit Libraries Network
Goodnight Wireless
Google Fiber
Greater Pittsburgh Digital Inclusion Alliance
Greenlight Networks, LLC
Grow Digital Skills
GrowSmart Maine
Guam Office of Infrastructure Policy and Development
Hamden Public Library
Hands to the Future
Hawaii Broadband and Digital Equity Office - State of Hawaii
Home Forward
Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District - Acorn Wireless
Horizon Project
HTTP (Hispanic Technology & Telecommunications Partnership)
Human-I-T
i-wireless, LLC
i3 Broadband
IBSA, Inc.
INCOMPAS
Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
Institute for Educational Leadership
Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Instituto de Educacion Popular del Sur de California (IDEPSCA)
Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP)
InterConnection
Invest Newark
Iowa Library Association
Just Harvest (Pittsburgh PA)
Kansas Office of Broadband Development
Kearny AZ Chamber of Commerce
Kennett Library
Kennett Township
KINBER
King County Housing Authority
Knox County, IL
Latinitas
Latino U College Access
Latinx Digital Leaders Now
LeadingAge
Library Freedom Project
LifeLong Medical Care
Link Health
Link Oregon (Oregon Fiber Partnership)
Lit Fiber LLC
Literacy Connects
Literacy Council of Norristown
Literacy Pittsburgh
Literacy Source
Literacy Works
Loaves, Fishes & Computers
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Los Alamos County (NM)
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Los Angeles Unified School District
Lumen Technologies
Lumos
Maine Broadband Coalition
Marconi Society
Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband
Mass General Brigham
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Media Alliance
MediaJustice
Methodist Healthcare Ministries
Metronet
Metropolitan New York Library Council
Microsoft Corporation
Mid York Library System
Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance
Mississippi Alliance for Nonprofits and Philanthropy
Mississippi Broadband Association
Missouri Assistive Technology
Mobile Citizen
mohuman
Motion Media Arts Center
Mountain Top Library
Multnomah County Library
Mycelia Foundation
NAACP
NACOG - Northern Arizona Council of Governments
National Apartment Association
National Association of Counties
National Association of Elementary School Principals
National Association of Federally Impacted Schools
National Association of Housing Cooperatives
National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA)
National Catholic Educational Association
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
National Collaborative for Digital Equity
National Congress of American Indians
National Consumer Law Center
National Consumers League
National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)
National Digital Equity Center
National Digital Inclusion Alliance
National League of Cities
National Lifeline Association "NaLA"
National Medical Association
National Multifamily Housing Council
National Skills Coalition
National Urban League
NCTA
Neighborhood Allies
Neighborhood House
NEK Broadband
Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT)
New America's Open Technology Institute
New York Library Association
NewDEAL Forum
Next Century Cities
Nextlink Internet
Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission
NRECA
NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association
NTEN
NTUA Wireless, LLC
Oak Hill Collaborative
Office of Broadband Development - Minnesota
OneNet/Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Open Door Family Medical Center, Inc.
Outside the Frame
Palmetto Care Connections
Panda Mobile LLC
Partners Bridging the Digital Divide
Philly Community Wireless
Philmont Public Library
Pittsburgh Technology Council
Portland (Oregon) Gray Panthers
Portland Community College
Portland Women in Technology LLC
Premier Alliances, Inc.
Presente Action
Presto Wireless
Promise Arizona
Public Knowledge
PUENTE DE LA COSTA SUR
Puerto Rico Broadband Program (Government of Puerto Rico)
PWG Network Services
Ramapo Catskill Library System
Ready.net, Inc.
Right Here, Right Now Project
Sacred Wind
SafetyNet Wireless
Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center
San Francisco Tech Council
Sarver Corporation
Saving Grace Foundation
Saving Our Sons & Sisters International (SOSSI)
School District of Fort Atkinson
Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition
SEAMAAC
SETDA
Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR)
Sno-Isle Libraries
SonBridge Center for Better Living
Sonoma County Library
Soul District Business Association
Sound E-rate, Inc.
SouthEastern Arizona Governments Organization
Southern Connected Communities Project
Southern Rural Black Women's Initiative for Economic and Social Justice
Springfield Partners for Community Action
StandUp Wireless
Starry
Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future
Storehouse for Teachers dba The Education Partnership
Succeed Hawaii
Sun Corridor Network
SUNY Exploring Emerging Technologies for Lifelong Learning and Success (#EmTech)
Syracuse Northeast Community Center
TCP Wireless LLC
TDIforAccess, Inc.
Tech Foundry
Tech Goes Home
Tech2Elevate
Technology Learning Collaborative
Telecommunications Industry Association
Texas Rural Funders
Texoma Communications, LLC
the Center for Digital Equity at Queens University of Charlotte
The Children's Partnership
The Club of Dayton
The Enterprise Center
The Frog Rock Foundation
The Greenlining Institute
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
The New York Public Library
The Pewninsula Utility for Broadband
The Prison Scholar Fund
The Sow Family Foundation
The STEM Alliance
The Uhuru Foundation
Thrive Health Tech
Ting Fiber
T-Mobile
Town of Charlemont MLP
TruConnect
TruLink Wireless LLC
UnidosUS
UNITE-LA
United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry
United Congolese Community Organization of Oregon
United Way for Greater Austin
United Way of Central Indiana
United Way of Greater Cincinnati
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
United Way of Greater Union County
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
United Way of Westchester and Putnam
United Ways of Texas
unity wireless inc
University of Pittsburgh Healthy Home Lab
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
Urban Libraries Council
Urbana-Champaign Big Broadband Not-for-Profit (UC2B)
UrbanWood Works
US Ignite
USTelecom - The Broadband Association
VAlley Vision
Vermont Community Broadband Board
Vermont Communications Union District Association
Via Wireless, LLC
Vintage, Inc.
Virgin Islands Telephone Corporation dba Viya
Virginia Society for Technology in Education
VITAL Wines
Volt mobile inc
Voqal
Waiʻanae Hawaiian Civic Club
Walla Walla Community Hospice
Walla Walla Senior Center
Walla Walla YMCA
Wallingford Adult Education
Wallingford Public Library
Washington State Library
Westchester Children's Association
Western New York Digital Equity Coalition
Western New York Library Resources Council
When The Trumpet Sounds
Whoop Connect
Wireless Infrastructure Association
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
WISPA
Word Empowerment Church
WorkMoney
WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband
Yonkers Public Library
YWCA Westmoreland County
YWCA Westmoreland County
Zayo Group, LLC