A pandemic-era federal program that subsidizes internet services stopped accepting new applications last week, and its future is uncertain unless it is renewed in April.
The Affordable Connectivity Program was launched as part of the Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Act Initiative in 2020, when internet access was considered essential. The program provides approximately $14.2 billion to eligible households, and Alaska received more than $21 million.
The program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission, offered discounts of up to $30 per month for individual households and up to $75 per month for homes on eligible tribal lands. In addition, the household could receive a one-time discount of $100 on the purchase of a computer or tablet.
According to the FCC, it currently serves 23 million households across the United States. It serves as a lifeline for more than 23,451 households in Alaska.
In late January, Alaska internet service providers, including GCI and Alaska Communications, sent notices to customers indicating that the program could soon end. Registered households will continue to receive discounts until at least April, as long as funds remain, unless Congress appropriates additional funds.
According to the FCC, service providers must send at least two more notices about the end of discounts.
In a Feb. 2 memo to members of Congress, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the importance behind the program, which connects millions of households.
“The bipartisan Infrastructure Act created this program, the largest effort in our history to make broadband affordable nationwide, and we now stand on the brink of missing out on that success. “There are,” Rosenworcel wrote. “Cutting millions of families off from jobs, schools, markets, and information is not the answer. We have gone too far with ACP and there is no turning back.”
The program was launched at a time when millions of Americans were still working and learning remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Biden administration has urged Congress to return $6 billion to the program, but efforts have stalled.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski believes this program is a vital link for Alaskans during the pandemic. But her communications director, Joe Presha, said it was only intended as a respite during the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Affordable Connectivity Program has been a critical program to help families stay connected throughout the pandemic as society returns to normal,” Presha told the News-Miner on Monday.
Presha said that although the ACP may be reduced, “the FCC maintains several programs to support connectivity and affordability in places like Alaska.”
Additionally, he said more than $2 billion in federal funding has been committed to Alaska for broadband, including new infrastructure for rural and Alaska Native communities.
“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act brings the promise of broadband connectivity to rural Alaska, and Sen. Murkowski is working hard to ensure Alaska takes full advantage of historic federal investment in digital infrastructure.” Presha said.
Public Affairs Director Sam Erickson said U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola’s office supports ACP’s continued funding.
“The Affordable Connectivity Program has been very important to Alaskans,” Erickson said in an email. “If these funds are not extended, many households’ internet bills could skyrocket at a time when too many Alaskans are already struggling to make ends meet.”
Mr. Peltola is one of the co-sponsors of House Resolution 6929, which extends the program for this year.
“While there may be opportunities to refine and improve the program in the future, our current priorities are to ensure that the program is available to Alaskans in need,” Erickson said. We must continue to do so.”
