The ACP is not dead yet

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) came to a close at the start of June, due to a lack of funding and a failed effort in Congress to pass extended appropriations in time. But the program is not entirely dead yet. A couple of potential paths forward have reemerged in Congress. And industry sources are cautiously optimistic that ACP could spring back to life. Specifically, stakeholders are looking to a Senate Commerce Committee markup session next week to consider the Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024, which is expected to include an amendment from Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to fund the ACP. That markup session, which was twice postponed prior to ACP's lapse, is now rescheduled for Wednesday, June 12, and could see the spectrum bill get voted out of committee. It remains to be seen if that session moves forward as planned. Prior markups were derailed in part by amendments offered by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), a ranking member on the committee, that would have gutted the ACP.