Affordable Connectivity Program: Supporting Affordable Internet Access

Endorsement of the Federal Affordable Connectivity Act Program

The NAACP strongly urges state legislators to support the preservation and enhancement of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by passing a resolution supporting the ACP Extension Act of 2024 (H.R.6929//S.3565). This program plays a crucial role in ensuring that low-income households have affordable access to high-speed internet, which is essential for education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation. State endorsement of this legislation will help to ensure that 22.5 million households do not lose access to this critical infrastructure. Without action, the funding for this program will expire in March 2024.

Background:

ACP, a federal initiative, aims to bridge the digital divide by making internet services more affordable for low-income families. Internet is not a luxury- it is a necessity for full participation in American society. However, disparities in access to internet continue to impact marginalized communities disproportionately. For a breakout of how many households in your state benefit from ACP, please refer to these state by state fact sheets.

Challenges addressed by ACP include:

• Limited internet access in low-income and rural communities.
• High costs of broadband services and access to devices to connect to the internet, which are often unaffordable for families who qualify for the program.
• Digital divide exacerbating educational and economic inequalities.

The NAACP's stance:

• Internet access is a fundamental right in the 21st century.
• Supporting the ACP aligns with our broader goals of equality and social justice.
• State support can enhance the program's chances of extension, as well as its effectiveness and reach.

Recommendations:

• Public Endorsement of ACP through Resolution: State legislators should publicly endorse the ACP Program, advocating for its continuation and funding. Legislators should specifically call for the passage of the ACP Extension Act of 2024, or a continuing funding measure that includes funding specifically for the program.

1. State-Level Partnerships: Collaborate with internet service providers to expand program availability and improve infrastructure, especially in underserved areas.
2. Supplementary State Funding: Explore opportunities for additional state funding or subsidies to complement the ACP as an alternative, should federal funding end.

The NAACP calls on state legislators to actively support ACP by endorsing legislation that will stop the program from ending in March 2024. By advocating to the federal government for the continuation of this program through resolution, states can play a pivotal role in ensuring equitable access to the internet, thereby reducing the digital divide and promoting opportunities for underserved communities.