Due to the absence of additional funding from Congress, the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially concluded the
Affordable Connectivity Program
(ACP) on June 1. The ACP is a critical tool to increase
access to internet services by providing financial assistance to
eligible households. The FCC had begun halting the program
earlier in the year, freezing enrollment in February and
directing internet service providers to inform impacted customers
in March and April about the program’s end. In May, the last
partial program payment was completed.
The FCC’s extra wind-down measures contained the following:
Urging ACP providers to develop and provide subscribers with
information about low-income and/or low-cost plans and programs.
Providing training and resources for state public utility
commissions, agency ACP grants, and outreach stakeholders to
promote the Commission’s
Lifeline program.
Reminding service providers of the obligation to promote the
Lifeline program.
CSAC supports ongoing ACP funding and urges Congress to
establish a long-term broadband affordability initiative to
continue efforts that narrow the affordability gap for all
Californians to access reliable high-speed internet.
