End of Affordable Connectivity Program Will Hurt Broadband Deployment

Electric cooperatives serve 92% of the nation’s persistent poverty counties and are deploying broadband networks in many hard-to-reach parts of the country. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association conducted a survey in the summer of 2023 that showed strong participation in and support for the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program by member co-ops. At least 57% of respondents said ACP discounts resulted in new broadband customers that would not have otherwise subscribed for service. Although ACP is expiring, NRECA continues to engage with lawmakers and emphasize that broadband affordability is critical to adoption, particularly in high-cost, low-density rural areas.