PORTSMOUTH — A program that provides affordable internet connectivity to low-income New Hampshire residents will end in April. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) said he wants to help change that.
ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) helps people who can’t afford high-speed broadband get online. In New Hampshire’s 1st District, which Pappas represents, 17,453 households are enrolled. This includes 464 homes in Portsmouth, his 1,464 homes in Rochester and 934 homes in Rollinsford.
“This is essential when you think about students learning online. This is essential when you think about small businesses that need to grow and reach customers,” Pappas said. “It is essential for family and friends to communicate and stay connected.”
More than 37,000 New Hampshire households (1 in 14 households) are enrolled in the program. However, starting in April, these households will no longer receive discounts on internet services and may lose access altogether if they cannot afford the increased costs.
Mr. Pappas helped found ACP and is currently seeking to expand the program. He is also a co-sponsor of House Resolution 6929, which provides funding to expand ACP in New Hampshire and across the country.
How does the Affordable Connections Program work?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission. This benefit allows eligible households to receive up to $30 per month discount on internet service, and his one-time discount of up to $100 on the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. You can receive Each household is limited to her one monthly service discount and one device discount.
The program was created under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and began in December 2021. Currently, the allocated funds are running out. ACP stopped accepting new applications and registrations on February 7th. Unless the law is extended, April will be the last month registered households will receive the full benefit.
The program has been a “game changer” for New Hampshire.
The number of registered households in Rockingham and Strafford counties represents 45% of the total number of households in the program’s Pappas area.
“I have met people who participate in this program in the 75 communities I represent around New Hampshire, and I see the value of the difference this program makes in their lives,” Pappas said. .
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez said ending the program would be “devastating” for families already struggling to pay their bills.
“They’re going to have to make difficult decisions about whether they want to pay for their broadband, pay their bills, put food on the table, pay for childcare, pay their utility bills.” she says.
Gomez said she receives many emails from ACP recipients and is reading them out loud.
The email read, “Good morning, Anna, I am writing this letter as a mother of two children who are truly dependent on having access to the Internet at ACP to find work and pursue their education.” ” was written. “I know there’s a lot going on in terms of looking at keeping this going and finding the funding for it. I’m not in a position to speak because I don’t have much to do with my name.”
Gomez said access to connectivity is important for economic opportunity, and without connectivity, opportunities for education and employment are diminished. Reducing access to services could also hinder providers from expanding into rural areas, deepening the digital divide.
“Connectivity is essential to our lives. It affects every part of our lives, from work to education to health care. It provides endless opportunities for those who have access, and a secure future for those who do not. “The door could be closed,” Gomez said. “In short, connectivity is no longer a convenience. It’s a necessity.”
