Sen Fetterman Introduces Bill to Make Broadband Internet Program Permanent

Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced the Promoting Affordable Connectivity Act which would sustainably fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by removing it from the appropriations process and incorporating it into Universal Service Fund (USF) distribution. The ACP has provided discounts on internet service to more than 23 million households—including over 700,000 in Pennsylvania—that could not otherwise afford it. The program, however, expired on April 30 after Congress failed to appropriate funds for it in the appropriations process. The Promoting Affordable Connectivity Act sustainably funds ACP by removing it from the annual appropriations process and integrating it into the Universal Service Fund (USF) distribution. To ensure affordability, this bill restructures USF contributions to pay for ACP without raising costs on consumers. Instead, under the bill, broadband and edge service providers would finance the ACP. The bill is written to ensure costs are not passed on to consumers.