ConnectHomeUSA is accepting questions about the Affordable Connectivity Program which will be posed directly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) before the March 15 webinar. If you have a question, send it to: HUDwebinar@fcc.gov.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. The Affordable Connectivity Program builds upon the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program). As part of the investment in broadband affordability, deployment and access in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Congress made several changes to the EBB Program to transform it into a longer-term broadband affordability program and appropriated an additional $14.2 billion.
To learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program join the webinar on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Speakers from the FCC will be available to answer questions and will be covering how the program works; resources that are currently available to help with outreach to residents; forthcoming funding to assist with outreach efforts; and a possible pilot program designed specifically for federal housing programs to help improve enrollment in the ACP.
In related news, the IIJA provides a historic $65 billion investment to expand broadband in communities across the U. S. The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is preparing to launch a series of new broadband grant programs funded by the law with the goals of building broadband infrastructure across the country, creating more low-cost broadband service options, and addressing the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities. NTIA will host technical assistance webinars from March–May 2022. Please visit the upcoming events section on the BroadbandUSA website to learn more and register.