The White House formally requested on October 25 that Congress provide $6 billion to extend the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). According to the White House, the request is for the “FCC to extend free and discounted highspeed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program for tens of millions of low income households through December 2024.” The ACP was authorized and initially funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.

The ACP program now has 21 million participants who receive $30 monthly discounts for internet service and discounts for devices. LeadingAge has strongly encouraged the FCC to allow entire HUD-assisted housing communities to participate, as a whole, in the program. Absent entire building participation, LeadingAge supports affordable senior housing providers encouraging residents to enroll in the ACP program to help bridge the digital divide.

The White House’s request comes about a week after several Senators urged appropriators to extending funding for the ACP, which will run out of funds “in a few short months” unless additional funding is provided.