The Solution to Affordable Connectivity is Staring Us in the Face

At the end of May, the Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps over 23 million low-income households access high-speed internet at home, officially ran out of funding. This lapse occurs despite strong support from the White House and lawmakers of both parties, as well as the backing of four out of five Americans. The focus must now shift to delivering a long-term fix. Fortunately, the solution is staring us in the face. Congress must instruct the Federal Communications Commission to modernize and right-size the Universal Service Fund to also include a new, financially responsible, and self-sustaining version of the ACP, all while dramatically reducing the fees charged to consumers to fund this important effort. Two short years ago, some 23 million American households saw their government do something real and meaningful to help improve their lives—only to take it away. We owe them not words of regret or vague promises, but urgent collective action. Congress can ensure our nation’s commitment to universal broadband and affordability endures.