$6 Billion Boost for Affordable Internet, Stricter Eligibility Rules Imposed.
This Act allocates an additional $6 billion to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), extending internet subsidies for low-income households. However, it tightens eligibility requirements, particularly for families qualifying through certain school meal programs, and eliminates the subsidy for connected devices. It also provides $3.08 billion to enhance network security by funding the removal of untrusted communications equipment.
Key points
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) receives $6 billion in new funding but stops subsidizing connected devices (like tablets or laptops).
Eligibility rules are tightened, potentially causing households that qualified solely via certain school meal provisions to lose their internet benefit after a 180-day grace period.
$3.08 billion is appropriated to the FCC to fund the removal and replacement of communications equipment deemed a national security risk ("rip and replace").
The FCC is mandated to auction off unused radio frequencies (spectrum) within two years, potentially improving future wireless services.
Expired
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