Securing Affordable Internet: New Funding and Faster Benefit Application.
This bill aims to secure long-term funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides crucial subsidies for internet access to millions of low-income households. The legislation stabilizes the program by integrating it into the Universal Service Fund (USF) and expanding the USF contribution base to include large digital service providers and broadband companies. This ensures continued financial support and mandates that eligible citizens receive their internet discount faster.
Key points
Permanent Funding for ACP: The Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers internet discounts to eligible households, is moved to a permanent funding structure supported by the Federal Universal Service Fund (USF).
New Contributors to the Fund: The financial burden for the subsidy program is expanded beyond traditional telecom carriers to include large "edge providers" (major digital service companies) and all broadband providers.
Faster Benefit Application: Internet providers must apply the ACP discount to the customer's account no later than the next billing cycle after the household's eligibility is verified.
Expired
Citizen Poll