The future of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is in jeopardy.
The program that makes internet more affordable for over 20 million households will run out of funds between March and June 2024 if Congress doesn’t act.
Congress introduced the program as the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) via the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020. It then modified the program, including updating the name to ACP, and allocated an additional $14.2 billion in 2021 via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). ACP does what no other program has done before – systematically addressing the biggest barrier to broadband adoption: cost.
Now we’re at risk of losing ACP, and there’s no time to waste.
The digital inclusion community has a unique opportunity to show the value and continuing need for this program to Congress. Together, we need to advocate for ACP funding through 2024. We cannot risk cutting off 20 million American households from affordable internet, so bridge funding for ACP is key until a permanent solution is found.
We know how important affordable internet is to you – our 1,400+ affiliates across the country – and the communities you serve. We also know how busy you are. So we’ve gathered some ideas and resources into a toolkit to make it as simple as possible. They’ll help you communicate with policymakers about how ACP impacts households in their districts and why we need to continue the program.
ACP Advocacy Toolkit:
- ACP Talking Points – Use for meetings with your congressional delegations, for convincing state lawmakers to take action, or even in press interviews.
- Advocacy Letter Template – Add some local touches from your community, share with partner organizations for signature, and send to your members of Congress.
- Example Letters – These may be useful to share with your state leaders as a model. They’re from Louisiana’s broadband office to their congressional delegation and from Governor Hobbs of Arizona to Senators Kelly and Sinema.
How to Use the Toolkit to Take Action in Your Community:
- Send a letter explaining the value and importance of ACP to your entire congressional delegation. Letters demonstrate support for the program and can come from:
- Your organization alone
- Your organization and partnering/supporting organizations (include each organization’s name and signature)
- Your digital inclusion coalition (include each organization’s name and signature).
- Ask your state broadband office or governor’s office to advocate for ACP – compile a letter with signatures from organizations to send to their congressional delegation
Reminder
Education and advocacy are distinct from lobbying, particularly when there is not a specific piece of legislation in play (as is the case currently in the fight for ACP renewal).
- Ask for a meeting with your Congressional delegation to share the value of ACP and how it impacts their constituents.
- Share success stories of people you’ve helped sign up for ACP. Use your blog and social media AND share your ACP success story with NDIA to be considered for a video feature or media interview. See the first NDIA ACP Success Video in our series below.
'Please Don't Take My ACP' - Austin Blues Family Finds New Joy Online
Meet Matthew Robinson, an Austin, TX legacy Blues musician, along with his family/caregiver Skye Downing and her son. They’re one of 20 million American households connected online with the help of ACP. With internet access, along with digital skills training from Community Tech Network, 75-year-old Matthew has found joy, pride, healthcare help, vital financial management, and even new guitar skills.
Thanks to the artists playing “Stormy Monday Blues”: Matthew Robinson – Vocals, Soulman Sam Evans – Vocals, Skye Downing – Vocals, Bill “Monster” Jones – Guitar, Karen Biller – Drums, Michael DeSantis – Bass; Blues video clip provided by: M. Edmund Howse