Sen Fetterman Advocates for More Effective Federal Broadband Access, Calls on FCC to Investigate Issues in Program

I write regarding reports from my home state—the commonwealth of Pennsylvania—of payment issues with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). As my colleagues and I work to find long-term funding solutions for ACP, both the FCC and companies that administer and benefit from ACP must do right by Americans who rely on the it. I’ve heard from constituents across the commonwealth that some of these households have encountered issues receiving their benefits. Specifically, some service providers are requiring that users show proof of one month of service before qualifying for the discount. As a result, families are being forced to foot the bill of the first month—a cost that some can’t afford. This is wrong. ACP exists to cover these costs. If the providers force them to pay, it means the program is not living up to its original mission. With this concern in mind, please provide answers to the following questions:

• Is the FCC aware of this issue?
• Is the FCC currently investigating if this is happening and which service providers may be participating in this practice? And if not, does the FCC have plans to do so?
• In the FCC’s interpretation, does this action violate statute authorizing ACP?