What’s Next for the ACP?
As the enrollment deadline for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) passed on February 7, 2024, communities across the nation had rallied for an extension to ensure equitable access to vital connectivity services. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the ACP enrollment period was not extended, and the program officially ended. While the deadline has now passed, the advocacy work carried out by various groups underscored the importance of affordable internet access, even if it didn’t result in an extension.
The ACP Extension Act
On January 10, 2024, the United States Senate introduced a bill led by Senators Welch, Vance, Cramer, and Rosen to appropriate funds for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The S.3565 – Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 bill called for Congress to extend the ACP by appropriating $7,000,000,000 to the program to help low-income families retain essential internet access. Although the bill gained traction and highlighted the program’s significance, it did not lead to an extension before the enrollment deadline.
Petition Congress to Extend the ACP
In the lead-up to the deadline, grassroots efforts to petition Congress for an extension of the enrollment period gained significant momentum. Petitions circulated both online and offline, collecting signatures from concerned citizens who recognized the importance of extending access to affordable connectivity. These petitions served as a powerful tool for amplifying voices and demonstrating widespread support. However, despite the large number of supporters, Congress did not act in time to extend the program before the February 7th deadline.
The National League of Cities (NLC), an organization consisting of city, town, and community leaders focused on the welfare of their constituents, also petitioned Congress to extend the ACP. Communities played a crucial role in amplifying this movement by completing the Support ACP 2024 Sign On Letter to voice their need for ACP. Even though these efforts were not successful in extending the enrollment period, they helped raise awareness of the issue.
Amplifying Voices for Change
Behind every signature on a petition was a story—a story of individuals and families who relied on affordable connectivity to navigate daily life. Sharing these stories humanized the issue and highlighted the real-world impact of timely access to connectivity services. From students struggling to keep up with remote learning to seniors isolated from vital telehealth resources, the need for an extended enrollment period was clear. Even though the program’s end did not provide an immediate solution, these stories continue to push the conversation forward for future initiatives.
The Power of Collective Action
Ultimately, the success of advocacy efforts hinged on the collective action of communities coming together to voice the need for change. While the enrollment period has ended and the ACP has been discontinued, the continued support for programs like ACP remains critical. Whether through petitions, contacting representatives, or spreading awareness on social media, the movement has helped build momentum for future efforts to ensure equitable access to connectivity for all. The efforts did not result in the immediate extension of ACP, but they have played an essential role in raising awareness and influencing future policy discussions.
