Industry praised the Biden Administration’s $55.9 billion supplemental FY2024 request to Congress for critical priorities, including $6 billion to keep the Affordable Connectivity Act (ACP) going and just over $3 billion to fully fund the FCC’s Rip & Replace program. Now, it’s up to lawmakers to determine what to do next.
Concerning the ACP, CTIA, the wireless industry association said: “More than 20 million American households rely on this program today, with more than half using it to subscribe to wireless broadband – underscoring the unique role that wireless plays in ensuring low-income Americans can access the internet for work, school, telehealth, and more.”
“The Affordable Connectivity Program is a critical part of reaching our shared goal of universal connectivity. We applaud the Administration’s request for additional funding for the ACP,” said USTelecom President/CEO Jonathan Spalter. “The program has already enabled more than 21 million low-income households to participate in our digital economy. We urge Congress to find a long-term solution to sustain this vital program.”
“NTCA members have been active participants in the Affordable Connectivity Program, and a number of their customers rely upon the support this program provides to pay for broadband services month after month,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA, The Rural Broadband Association. “The ACP program is also poised to play a critical part in addressing affordability as part of deployment programs just now getting underway. NTCA therefore applauds the White House for identifying the need for additional funding to prolong the effectiveness of the ACP program in its supplemental appropriations request, and we hope that this program that enjoys such widespread support will continue to play an important role in keeping Americans connected.”
Rip & Replace is the program meant to reimburse small, rural carriers for removing, disposing of and replacing untrusted Huawei and ZTE gear from their networks. “Full funding for the ongoing removal of insecure equipment and software from communications infrastructure and subsequent replacement with trusted alternatives is critical for the safety and availability of key American wireless networks,” said Competitive Carriers Association President and CEO Tim Donovan. “We urge Congress to act swiftly to fully fund [Rip & Replace] to ensure the program can succeed, that national security is protected, and that millions of consumers that live or travel in rural America do not lose connectivity.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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