FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel warns Congress that not funding ACP will 'cut families off'

With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) set to run out of funding in early 2024, the importance of sustaining the program took center stage with House Democrats at a Federal Communications Commission oversight hearing. The hearing was the FCC's first before the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee and touched on a range of issues from improved broadband mapping to the FCC's lapsed spectrum authority and beyond. But one issue top of mind, at least for House Democrats, was the ACP.  Industry stakeholders and observers have been raising concern about the ACP's dwindling funds, and a lack of congressional action, for months. Pressed by House Democrats on what the end of the ACP would mean for the country's efforts to close the digital divide, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stressed the importance of continuing funding. She further noted that the ACP works "hand-in-hand" with the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program being administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Alan Davidson, NTIA Chief, has also recently stressed the importance of ACP to BEAD's success in front of Congress. However, she also confirmed the FCC is exploring what that unwanted outcome will look like. In discussing the ACP, several House members also referenced a letter sent to President Biden. That letter calls the ACP "an important tool in our efforts to close the digital divide," and further asks the White House to devote unused COVID relief funds to support the program.