Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore. today joined U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and colleagues in a letter to NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, and the CTIA, urging their member companies to ensure their Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subscribers receive the full $30 benefit in May.
The Federal Communications Commission recently announced it only has enough funding to provide ACP subscribers with a $14 benefit in May, rather than the full $30. In their letter, the lawmakers urge NCTA and CTIA members to cover the $16 shortfall in May, ensuring subscribers do not lose internet access while lawmakers work towards a funding solution.
“This action would help maintain subscribers in May, who might otherwise leave the program when faced with even the smallest price increase, while Congress continues to work on a legislative solution to this problem,” wrote the senators. “With both the Senate and House of Representatives in sessions for four weeks in May, this extra time would give lawmakers a critical window to work on and pass a legislative solution. Additionally, if Congress is able to extend the ACP, it would be devastating for ACP households that drop internet service during the period of lapsed funding, forcing them to re-enroll in the ACP, a process that can require significant time and expense.”
“Given that the $14.2 billion in ACP benefits ultimately flowed back to ACP providers, covering the $16 payment in May is a small investment in saving the program that can demonstrate your members’ commitment to closing the digital divide,” continued the senators.
Cosigners in the Senate include U.S. Senators Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
A copy of the letter to NCTA president and CEO Michael K. Powell and CTIA president and CEO Meredith Attwell Baker is here.
A web version of this release is here.
###