Open Access Network Operator Underline Claims Most Generous ACP Low-Income Broadband Offering

Open access network operator Underline is launching what Founder and CEO Bob Thompson calls the “most generous” Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offering in the US. Multiple broadband providers have what Thompson calls “net zero” ACP offerings that have a price tag of $30, enabling qualifying households to get free service when the ACP benefit is applied. But, as he noted, these offerings typically provide relatively low speeds in comparison with the providers’ other services. That won’t be true for Underline, though. “Unlike with the bigger companies, a poor family gets no less speed and performance than a paying family gets,” Thompson said. The Underline “net zero” offering will provide 500 Mbps symmetrical service and is the same as an Underline offering that costs $49 for non-ACP households. In addition, ACP customers will have the option of purchasing gigabit symmetrical service for $35 a month after the ACP benefit is applied. That service costs $65 for non-ACP households. Thompson hopes that Underline’s move will put pressure on other providers to enhance their ACP low-income broadband services. “Behavior won’t change until it’s in [other providers’] interest to change or they are forced by the competitive process,” Thompson said. “We challenge the industry to step up and do the right thing.”