Federal Communications Commissioner Gomez ‘dismayed’ at ACP funding inaction

Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez, who was confirmed by the US Senate in September 2023, has joined calls to renew funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Nearly 23 million households nationwide rely on the program, which provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. “We are at a critical time for the program and I am dismayed that the commission finds itself with no choice but to initiate the wind down process,” said Commissioner Gomez. “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.” Commissioner Gomez said she remains hopeful the ACP will see renewed funding before the clock ticks out on the program, and applauded recent proposed legislation seeking to extend funding for the program.