What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
Commissioner Gomez Joins Congressman Soto to Advocate for Continuation of ACP
Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez and Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL) hosted a roundtable at the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) with Veterans Affairs (VA) social workers and community stakeholders to discuss the positive impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) on Veterans and their families. “The Affordable Connectivity Program is about making sure everyone, everywhere in this country has access to Internet service that connects them to economic and educational opportunity as well as healthcare services, for example connecting Veterans with VA appoint
As states move through the final planning stages of their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment efforts, it is paramount that they effectively use the $42 billion in taxpayer dollars funding the program. Past subsidy efforts to connect Americans to the internet failed due to ineffective competitive processes, insufficient accountability, and a lack of transparency. AEI’s Broadband Barometer Project seeks to provide resources and information to help states ensure their new efforts succeed in bringing broadband to those lacking access or sufficient capacity.
Across the United States, local and state governments and community organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that residents have the connectivity they need to thrive in 2024.
#OaklandUndivided is committed to sustaining and scaling school and home digital access for Oakland's 50,000+ public school students while simultaneously addressing structural barriers to achieve community wide connectivity for all Oaklanders.
Access to internet service is meaningless to consumers if the cost of signing up is a barrier
We write in support of your ongoing focus on internet affordability as you work to administer the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program enacted in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For years, Democrats and Republicans expressed concern over the digital divide, and the $42 billion investment in the BEAD Program gives us a real opportunity to finally bridge this divide and connect every American to high-speed, reliable, and affordable internet.
Next Century Cities Advocates for Consumer Protections in ACP Wind-Down Process
On March 20, 2024, Next Century Cities (NCC) met with the Federal Communications Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) staff regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program wind-down. NCC said the CGB must work closely with the Wireline Competition Bureau to craft wind-down guidance that ensures customers are protected. NCC also urged the Federal Communications Commission to require providers to disclose how a consumers bill will increase.
Preserving the Affordable Connectivity Program is Crucial for Continued American Success
In 2021, the Biden Administration and Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that appropriated $14.2 billion to establish the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has now helped over 23 million households sign up for discounted broadband internet. Unfortunately, the program is running low on funds and will stop providing full discounts in April unless Congress provides more funding. Congress has an opportunity to preserve this crucial program and maintain internet service for communities at risk of being left behind in the digital age.
NTIA urges FCC to reinstate strong net neutrality rules
On March 20, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) N. NTIA urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reinstate strong net neutrality rules. "The Commission should act to reinstate strong net neutrality rules," said NTIA's comments. "An Internet that is open, secure, and accessible to all is an Internet that drives innovation, economic growth, and the free exchange of ideas around the world." NTIA also emphasized that reclassification can further national security objectives.
ACP, excluded from House spending package, creeps closer to death
The House of Representatives unveiled a $1.1 trillion spending package on March 21 that, if passed, will keep the government from shutting down this weekend. What it won't do, however, is fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) before it ends in May 2024. With April set as the ACP's final month of full funding, advocates had hoped to see Congress fund the program in must-pass spending legislation. In addition to the ACP, another top priority for the telecom industry is getting more funding for the Secure Networks Program, also known as rip-and-replace.
Public Interest Groups Urge Congress To Renew FCC Auction Authority, Fund ACP
On March 21, Public Knowledge joined 24 other public interest and consumer advocacy groups in a letter to congressional leaders about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The groups urged Congress to renew the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) spectrum auction authority and use some of the projected revenue to help fund the ACP. "Congress has a unique opportunity to advance our national spectrum goals while simultaneously generating sufficient revenue to support the connectivity needs of millions of Americans," said the letter.
The Universal Service Fund is stuck in its own Groundhog Day
It seems like the Universal Service Fund (USF) has been stuck in a loop for years, as debates over how it could be improved and better funded rage on. There are plenty of possible solutions on the table, yet the wheels just keep on spinning.