John,

Due to Congressional inaction, The Federal Communications Commission recently announced the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which helped low-income people―1 in 6 Americans―get online.

The ACP was passed in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Its purpose is to provide households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty line (or about $30,000 for a single adult) with a monthly stipend of $30 ($75 for Native people living on Tribal lands) to help ensure internet access to all.¹

With the increasing reliance on digital platforms for education, work, and essential services, the gap left by Congress’ failure to act is a direct blow to economic and health equity and democratic participation.

This abrupt end to affordable internet access directly impacts low-income and underserved communities, exacerbating economic disparities, racial injustice, and the marginalization of immigrants and low-income communities.

The internet is critical to our everyday lives. Add your name to demand Congress fully fund the Affordable Connectivity Program now.

A 2019 study revealed that 18% of Native people living on Tribal land have no access to the internet, 33% rely on cell phone service for the internet at home, and 31% have spotty or no connection to the internet at home on their smart phone.² Indian Country is made up of 574 federally recognized Tribes on 334 reservations in 35 states on 100 million acres of land and the ACP has enrolled 320,000 households on Tribal lands―important progress.^3,4

Internet access is such an essential part of modern life that Congress must do everything in its power to ensure that everyone has access. The Affordable Connectivity Program is reaching those who need it. In a survey of enrollees, more than three-quarters said “losing ACP support would disrupt their service or cause them to drop internet service entirely.”⁵

Act now and add your name to demand restoration and full funding of this critical program.

Thank you for all you do,

Deborah Weinstein
Executive Director, CHN Action

¹ If Congress doesn’t act now many Americans might lose broadband access
² Tribal Technology Assessment
³ Indigenous Digital Sovereignty: From the Digital Divide to Digital Equity
⁴ FACT SHEET: As Affordable Connectivity Program Hits Milestone of Providing Affordable High-Speed Internet To 23 Million Households Nationwide, Biden-⁠Harris Administration Calls on Congress to Extend Its Funding
⁵ FCC: The Affordable Connectivity Program: A Need-to-Have for Closing the Digital Divide