Senators urge telcos, cablecos to buy some time for ACP households

Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today led four of his colleagues in the Senate in a letter to Michael K. Powell, the President and Chief Executive Officer of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, and Meredith Attwell Baker, the President and Chief Executive Officer of CTIA, urging their member companies to ensure that their Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subscribers receive the $30 benefit in May.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that it only has enough funding to provide ACP subscribers with a $14 benefit in May, rather than the full $30. In their letter, the lawmakers urge NCTA and CTIA members to cover the $16 shortfall in May, ensuring that subscribers do not lose internet access while lawmakers work towards a funding solution.

The lawmakers wrote: “This action would help maintain subscribers in May, who might otherwise leave the program when faced with even the smallest price increase, while Congress continues to work on a legislative solution to this problem. With both the Senate and House of Representatives in sessions for four weeks in May, this extra time would give lawmakers a critical window to work on and pass a legislative solution. Additionally, if Congress is able to extend the ACP, it would be devastating for ACP households that drop internet service during the period of lapsed funding, forcing them to re-enroll in the ACP, a process that can require significant time and expense.”

They continued: “Given that the $14.2 billion in ACP benefits ultimately flowed back to ACP providers, covering the $16 payment in May is a small investment in saving the program that can demonstrate your members’ commitment to closing the digital divide.”

Cosigners in the Senate include: Senators Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Senator Ed Markey