FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Maria Cantwell Chair Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation United States Senate 428 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Madam Chair: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Maria Cantwell First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Ted Cruz Ranking Member Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation United States Senate 512 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Ranking Member Cruz: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Ted Cruz First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers Chair Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives 2125 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Madam Chair: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Frank Pallone Ranking Member Committee on Energy and Commerce U.S. House of Representatives 2322 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Ranking Member Pallone: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Frank Pallone First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Steve Womack Chairman Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives 2000 Rayburn House Office Building (G Floor) Washington, DC 20515 Dear Chairman Womack: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Steve Womack First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Steny H. Hoyer Ranking Member Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations U.S. House of Representatives 1036 Longworth Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Ranking Member Hoyer: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Steny H. Hoyer First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Chris Van Hollen Chairman Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations United States Senate S-128 The Capitol Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Van Hollen: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Chris Van Hollen First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN January 8, 2024 The Honorable Member Bill Hagerty Ranking Member Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations United States Senate 125 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Ranking Member Hagerty: I am writing to provide you with an update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion dollars for the ACP, the largest broadband affordability program in our Nation’s history. This program now helps nearly 23 million households nationwide—in rural America, urban America, and everything in between—get online and stay online so that they have the high-speed internet service they need to fully participate in modern life. At this point, more funding is urgently needed to keep the ACP in place, so that it can continue to support the households that rely on it and reach others that may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. In light of demand, the remaining funding we have is insufficient to fund the ACP to consumers beyond April 2024. However, the Administration requested an additional $6 billion to extend the ACP as part of its domestic supplemental funding request to Congress, which, alongside program changes, would extend the program through the end of calendar year 2024. If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service. This also means that roughly 1,700 internet service providers will be affected by the termination of the ACP and may cut off service to households no longer supported by the program. Moreover, as the Administrator of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration previously informed Congress, losing the ACP would undermine the historic $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, for which the ACP supports a stable customer base to help incentivize deployment in rural areas. Due to the lack of additional funding, and the fact that the projected end date is less than four months away, the Commission expects to begin taking steps this week to start orderly wind- down procedures to give participating providers, households and other stakeholders sufficient time to prepare for the projected end of the ACP. Page 2 - The Honorable Bill Hagerty First, the Commission will offer ACP providers guidance on the timing and requirements for notifying participating households about the projected end of the ACP. To avoid consumer confusion and minimize the risk of consumer bill shock, providers must give consumers specific, frequent notice about the projected end of the program and their ACP discount, and how that will impact their internet bill. Second, the Commission will announce a date for stopping the enrollment of new households in the ACP. While this step will preclude additional households from benefiting from this important program, it is necessary to slow the depletion of the remaining funding and reduce volatility in the program. This step will also stabilize the number of households affected by the end of the ACP and reduce consumer confusion. Ending ACP enrollments will also mean that the more than 240 outreach grant awardees across the country will need to wind down their grant-funded ACP outreach. Third, the Commission will formally determine the projected end date for the program. After this date is determined, the Commission will provide notice about the remaining time for the ACP and other information to facilitate the end of the program. In summary, the ACP is in jeopardy and, absent additional funding, we could lose the significant progress this program has made towards closing the digital divide. Yet we have come too far with the ACP to turn back. Accordingly, the Commission stands ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel