FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks' Statement on the Affordable Connectivity Program Rules

The rules repeatedly affirm our decision to spend that money in ways that advance our digital equity goals. I am proud that my colleagues adopted my recommendation to commit to deploying the new tools Congress gave us with 'particular emphasis on reaching people of color, persons with disabilities, persons who live in rural or Tribal areas, and others who are or have been historically unserved, marginalized, or adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.' I intend to make sure we follow through on that commitment. There are two aspects of [the rules] that I would like to highlight. First, we have decided to give partners in state, local, and Tribal governments access to the National Verifier as part of a Pilot program...Second, I thank the Chairwoman and my colleagues for agreeing to add a new section to [the rules] seeking comment on an additional Pilot Program to expand participation by households that benefit from Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA). I look forward to robust comments on how we can use this Pilot to better serve these Americans who stand to gain so much from ACP.