Speaker Johnson, it is time to call a vote.

In less than four weeks, over 23 million U.S. households will see spikes in their internet bills, increases that could leave many choosing between internet access and groceries, paying their rent, or picking up their prescriptions. 

The majority of households relying on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for internet access have incomes below $3,350/month for a family of four or below $1,650/month for an individual. Many have assets worth less than $2,750. 

A national survey of ACP participants conducted by Benenson Strategy Group in collaboration with Comcast found that:

• 65% of ACP participants fear losing their job or their household’s primary source of income when the program ends.
• 75% of ACP participants fear losing access to important healthcare services, like online appointments or prescription medicine refills when the program ends.
• 81% of ACP parents worry about their children falling behind in school when the program ends.

These fears could become a reality at the end of the month when ACP will be shut down due to a lack of funding. 

Thankfully, there is a clear, simple solution at hand. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 (HR 6929) would extend the ACP, providing funding to keep the program running through 2024. 

A clear majority of the House of Representatives has already indicated that they support HR 6929—in addition to lead sponsor Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York, the bill has 230 co-sponsors including 24 Republicans. But HR 6929 has languished in the House since January 10. 

Let the Members vote, Speaker Johnson.

Adrianne B. Furniss is the Executive Director of the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society.

The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that all people in the U.S. have access to competitive, High-Performance Broadband regardless of where they live or who they are. We believe communication policy - rooted in the values of access, equity, and diversity - has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities.

© Benton Institute for Broadband & Society 2024. Redistribution of this email publication - both internally and externally - is encouraged if it includes this copyright statement.

For subscribe/unsubscribe info, please email headlinesATbentonDOTorg

Kevin Taglang
Executive Editor, Communications-related Headlines
Benton Institute
for Broadband & Society
1041 Ridge Rd, Unit 214
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-220-4531
headlines AT benton DOT org

Share this edition:

Broadband Delivers Opportunities and Strengthens Communities