The administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris has announced it will release $73 million in grants to help more Americans sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and save on monthly internet costs.
The move is part of the administration’s efforts to make high-speed internet more accessible and affordable for all Americans.
Officials addressed funding for the program with members of the media in a March 15 call featuring Senior Adviser to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu and FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
“In the 21st century affordable, reliable high-speed internet is key to opportunity—to access education, healthcare, work, precision agriculture, and to keep in touch with loved ones,” Landrieu said.
“But today, far too many are left without high-speed internet—whether they lack the infrastructure, the technological skills, or simply the means to pay for it.”
The Biden administration official asserted that these problems are particularly prevalent in communities of color, and rural communities, and have a significant impact on older Americans.
“This should not happen anywhere,” Landrieu went on. “Especially not in a country with the most advanced economy in the world.”
The $65 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a part of the Biden administration’s Investing in America Agenda, which aims to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, high-speed internet.
Already, 16.75 million households are saving $500 million per month through the ACP.
Of the $73 million in grants, $66 million will be used toward the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Program (ACOP), with funds used to create awareness and drive enrolment in the ACP.
The FCC will work with partner organizations to target historically underserved communities—including those on tribal lands.
The funds will support outreach projects such as digital campaigns, door-to-door canvassing, phone banks, and enrolment events.
More than $7 million is earmarked for outreach grants for two one-year pilot programs to raise awareness of the ACOP. These programs will reach out to federal housing communities and work with trusted third parties to assist consumers in applying for connectivity grants.
According to Rosenworcel, eligibility for the program is dictated in the infrastructure law passed by Congress during its last term. Included in the vetting process is participation in other entitlement programs, such as Medicaid, Pell Grants, and reduced school lunch programs.
The ACP, authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, offers eligible households up to $30 per month (or up to $75 per month on qualifying tribal lands) off their internet bills and a one-time discount of up to $100 off a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
