FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 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 a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.1 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results 1 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Maria Cantwell demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.2 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 2 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 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 a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.3 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results 3 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Ted Cruz demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.4 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 4 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 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 a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.5 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results 5 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.6 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 6 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 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 a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.7 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results 7 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Frank Pallone demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.8 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 8 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 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 a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.9 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is 9 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Steve Womack working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.10 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 10 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 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 a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.11 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is 11 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Steny H. Hoyer working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.12 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 12 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 2024 The Honorable Chris Van Hollen Chairman Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government Committee on Appropriations United States Senate S-128 The Capital Building Washington, DC 20510 Dear Chairman Van Hollen: I am writing to provide you with a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.13 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is 13 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Chris Van Hollen working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.14 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 14 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRWOMAN March 4, 2024 The Honorable 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 a further update on the status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Federal Communications Commission. Today more than 23 million households across rural, urban, and suburban America count on this program for high- speed internet access. As I noted in my January 8, 2024 and February 1, 2024 letters to you, absent congressional action, the exhaustion of existing ACP funding will require the agency to end the program. At present, due to the lack of additional funding from Congress, the Commission is taking action to wind down the ACP. To this end, I want you to know that today the Commission formally announced that April 2024 is the last month that the ACP benefit will be provided in full.15 This means participating households have only two months left to receive the full ACP benefit, and can expect to see the impact of the program’s end on their bills in May. As I relayed to you in my last letter, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024. This enrollment freeze was necessary to begin the process of winding down the program, but already its effects are being felt by households that wish to enroll and are unable to do so. Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet service without the ACP benefit. They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more. It has become clear that the connectivity the ACP provides is vital. In December of last year, the Commission surveyed ACP households to better understand how the program is 15 Partial reimbursement will be available in May. Providers can choose whether to claim and pass on a partial benefit for May service. Page 2 – The Honorable Bill Hagerty working and how ending it may hinder our efforts to close the digital divide. The results demonstrated that prior to participating in the program, 68 percent of ACP households had inconsistent connectivity or zero connectivity. The same survey data showed that more than 75 percent of ACP households expect their service will be disrupted if the ACP ends because they will need to change their plans or stop internet service entirely. A summary of other key findings from this survey is attached.16 I believe we have come too far with the ACP to turn back and lose the gains we have made connecting so many households across the country. Accordingly, the Commission continues to stand ready to assist Congress with any efforts to fully fund the ACP into the future. Sincerely, Jessica Rosenworcel 16 The full survey results are available on the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp-survey.