How the FCC Plans to End the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal benefit that helps qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and devices. Since January 2022, the ACP has grown to help over 22 million U.S. households (roughly one in six of all Americans) access the internet. However, the ACP is running out of funding. Congress originally appropriated $14.2 billion for the ACP, but over time that amount has been spent down to the point where the ACP is on course to run out of funding this Spring. Congress may yet appropriate additional funds, but, since that is not certain, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must proceed as if the program will end. Therefore, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, the FCC released guidance for the wind-down of the program. The guidance aims to inform interested parties about:

• The process for notifying enrolled ACP households about the impact of program termination on their broadband service and bills;
• Freezing of new enrollments in the program;
• Advertising, awareness, and outreach requirements for providers and outreach partners; 
• The timing of claims submissions; and 
• Participation during a possible partially funded month of ACP.   

Here are the highlights.