The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), aimed at subsidizing fixed broadband connectivity for low-income households, faces the possibility of termination if Congress doesn't approve additional funding, according to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Initially allocated USD 14.2 billion, the program urgently requires more funding to sustain its operations.
“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,” stated FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a letter addressed to various members of the US legislative branch.
The FCC anticipates the existing funds to last until April 2024, depleting entirely in May.
Despite a recent request from the White House for an additional USD 6 billion to support the program, Congress has yet to approve the supplementary funding.
Launched on December 31, 2021, the ACP has garnered participation from approximately 1,700 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and has enrolled 23 million households, aiming to bridge the digital divide.