The Future of Broadband Affordability

Congress has established programs to increase broadband access through the Universal Service Fund, including the Lifeline and the High-Cost programs. More recently, Congress established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to further improve broadband access and affordability. The Affordable Connectivity Program, which currently helps more than 23 million households connect to affordable broadband, will expire in May without congressional action. This hearing will examine the state of broadband affordability programs, the impact of a potential lapse or end of ACP and ways to address existing shortfalls in broadband affordability programs. 

Witnesses

• Jennifer Case Nevarez, Director and Lead Educator, Community Learning Network; Member of the Broadband and Digital Equity Support Team for New Mexico and the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion
• Kathryn de Wit, Project Director, Broadband Access Initiative, The Pew Charitable Trusts
• Blair Levin, Policy Advisor, New Street Research; Nonresident Senior Fellow, Brookings Metro