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For Immediate Release

FCC ISSUES FORMAL NOTICE THAT APRIL IS THE FINAL FULL MONTH OF ACP PROGRAM
In a letter to Congress, Chairwoman Rosenworcel urges immediate action before the program runs out of funds
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WASHINGTON, March 4, 2024—The Federal Communications Commission today formally notified Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) providers that, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the agency will only be able to fully fund the program through the month of April.  Also today, in a letter to congressional leaders, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel urged immediate action before the program runs out of funds and participating households no longer receive the full ACP benefit.  The letter also highlighted the immediate impact that the ACP enrollment freeze has had on households wishing to enroll in the program but are now unable to do so.  Over the past three years, Rosenworcel has been traveling the country, meeting with ACP recipients and digital navigators to understand first-hand how the program is making a difference.

“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,” said Chairwoman Rosenworcel in her letter to Congress.  “They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health care, and more.”

The public notice issued today by the agency follows the FCC’s release of survey data that showed more than two-thirds of ACP households had inconsistent or zero connectivity prior to enrolling in the program.  The survey data also showed that more than three-quarters of ACP households will experience service disruptions if the program ends.  A fact sheet summarizing the survey findings and the full survey results are available at: fcc.gov/acp-survey. 

The ACP is the largest—and most successful—broadband affordability program in our nation’s history.  More than 23 million households across rural, suburban, and urban America rely on the ACP to pay for the high-speed internet service they need for school, work, health care, and more.  The ACP supports eligible low-income households struggling to afford monthly broadband service. 

A bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives have introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which, if adopted, would provide an additional $7 billion for the ACP.

“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,” concluded Rosenworcel. 

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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).