NDIA Encourages FCC to Engage Trusted Community Organizations in Affordable Connectivity Program Outreach

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) encouraged the Federal Communications Commission to involve trusted community organizations in outreach efforts for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). NDIA also addressed a pilot program focused on promoting ACP enrollment among households participating in Federal Public Housing Assistance programs. NDIA urged the FCC to:

• establish an accessible, competitive, and flexible application process and technical assistance system for the outreach grant program to ensure that small trusted community based organizations can benefit from the program. 
• give priority to applicants with prior and proven experience providing digital inclusion programming to populations and communities less likely to be connected.
• target funds to support high-touch, holistic digital inclusion programs that address additional barriers to broadband adoption and personalized enrollment support through actions including street teams, door knocking, and tabling at events or areas with heavy foot traffic like schools, libraries, etc.
• allow the grant program to cover a wide range of costs including personnel, the creation of outreach materials, advertising, translation services, event costs including food and physical supplies, equipment for in-person enrollment, travel, and administrative functions. 
• provide outreach grantees and others with training and technical assistance on how to navigate the pain points and obstacles a consumer may encounter while enrolling in ACP. 
• partner with trusted, community-based organizations and local FPHA residential leaders in ACP outreach to FPHA beneficiaries.
• consider the prominent pain point that exists between internet service providers and FPHA beneficiaries in the ACP enrollment process as the Commission builds out this pilot. 
• provide funding for ACP enrollment events for FPHA beneficiaries, especially for events involving trusted community partners.
• encourage partner agencies to establish on-site assistance locations where eligible FPHA household members can complete and submit an ACP application.