NARUC Passes Resolution Supporting Funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program

At the July 16-19, 2023 summit of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), the organization passed a resolution supporting permanent funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In its resolution, NARUC acknowledged that there were $8.6 billion of remaining ACP appropriations available for disbursement as of June 2023 and that the program is expected to run out of funding by the second quarter of 2024. "The lack of a permanent low-income broadband assistance program with government oversight is troubling because universal high-speed internet access is essential for a well-functioning economy," said NARUC. "Should the ACP expire without establishing a permanent fund, broadband customers who have relied on ACP to help pay their bills will suffer without this assistance." NARUC urged Congress to provide permanent annual funding for a federal Low-Income Affordable Connectivity Program. Additionally, the organization passed a separate resolution proclaiming the first full week in September after Labor Day as National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week.