Funding the Affordable Connectivity Program is Critical for Our Country’s Future

Our world increasingly operates online, and the Internet has forever changed our way of life. Today, everything—from working remotely and doing homework, to earning a degree or certificate, learning digital skills, applying for jobs, and communicating with your doctor—happens on the Internet. The impact is tremendous, and today more than 22 million Americans are online with the support of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Unfortunately, funding for the ACP may run out as soon as April—putting so much progress at risk. We agree with the bipartisan group of 174 mayors—representing cities from Scranton (PA) and Jackson (MS) to Beaverton (OR) and Oakland (CA)—who wrote to Congress highlighting the impact of the ACP and the urgent need to renew funding for the program. A new study by the Benenson Strategy Group illustrates how impactful the ACP has been for participating individuals and families. The study found that the program benefitted millions of households and may be the greatest advance in connecting lower-income families since our own Internet Essentials program was launched more than ten years ago. There’s a lot more work to do to enroll others, but as the Benenson research establishes, it’s well worth the investment.