The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been a lifeline for millions of American families, helping to bridge the digital divide by making broadband service more affordable. For nearly a year, we at carcodereader.store, along with many others, have urged Congress to replenish funding for this vital program. We firmly believe in the ACP’s positive impact and will continue to advocate for its continuation.
The ACP has garnered significant bipartisan support, recognizing its role in assisting over 23 million households in managing the cost of internet service. However, the urgency for Congressional action is now critical. Families relying on this support are facing imminent disruptions to their internet bills and potentially their service itself. Even if government funding for the ACP is not extended, AT&T remains committed to ensuring affordable internet options are available to low-income families.
We are dedicated to offering programs like Access from AT&T, which provides eligible customers with internet speeds up to 100 Mbps for a reasonable $30 per month. For those seeking wireless solutions, Cricket Wireless and AT&T Prepaid offer a range of budget-friendly plans, alongside our various postpaid options. Furthermore, we are introducing temporary offers to support our current ACP subscribers in adjusting to their bills as the monthly ACP benefit potentially ends, regardless of the AT&T service they utilize.
We understand that internet connectivity is transformative. Americans depend on programs like the ACP for essential access to healthcare, employment opportunities, job applications, and educational resources necessary for future success. The internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for full participation in modern society.
A recent FCC survey conducted in December 2023 among ACP recipients underscores the program’s critical role:
- A staggering 77% of respondents stated that losing the ACP benefit would force them to change their internet plan or discontinue service altogether, highlighting the direct impact on connectivity.
- Prior to the ACP, 47% reported having no internet service at all or relying solely on mobile internet, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in expanding access.
- 68% indicated they experienced inconsistent or nonexistent internet service before enrolling in the ACP, emphasizing the program’s role in providing reliable connectivity.
These statistics represent real people – American lives that will be profoundly affected by the potential expiration of the ACP benefit. The loss of this program will have tangible consequences on families across the nation.
AT&T has pledged an additional $3 billion by 2030 towards bridging the digital divide, bringing our total commitment to $5 billion since 2021. This significant investment is part of our ambitious goal to help 25 million individuals gain and maintain access to affordable, high-speed internet throughout this decade.
Initiatives like Access from AT&T and our overarching goals are making a substantial difference in internet affordability. However, their impact is amplified when combined with programs like the ACP. This is why it is imperative that Congress continues to explore avenues to sustain the ACP’s viability.
As Congress addresses immediate funding needs, it is equally important to plan for the long term. We strongly encourage Congress to work towards establishing a permanent, equitable, and dependable ACP funding solution through a modernized Universal Service Fund. A sustainable approach is particularly crucial as internet service providers continue to invest in infrastructure to expand connectivity nationwide – a shared objective for all stakeholders.
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