What's on the agenda for policymakers.
Agenda
NTIA Making Resources Available to Help States Turn Digital Equity Plans into Reality
On March 29, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.
Prepaid business likely to suffer from demise of ACP
If Congress doesn’t act soon, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is expected to run out of money by the end of April, leaving millions of Americans without discounted internet services.
Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus Backs Legislation to Protect Internet Access for Low-Income Families
The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, legislation that will facilitate the continuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through the end of 2024. The program is currently on track to shut down at the end of April, disrupting broadband access for tens of millions of Americans. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Reps Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Yvette Clarke (D-NT) and has 215 additional cosponsors, 41 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
Biden-Harris Administration Allocates More Than $800 Million to Increase Digital Inclusion Efforts
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the availability and individual state allocations of approximately $811 million in funding to states, territories, and native entities to empower individuals and communities with the tools, skills, and opportunities to benefit from meaningful access to high-speed Internet service.
RDOF winner coalition tells FCC to grant more funds and amnesty
A group known as the "coalition of RDOF winners" has weighed in on whether the Federal Communications Commission should grant an amnesty period for providers to relinquish their locations awarded through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) in the interest of making those locations available for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program instead.
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.