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Washington
CNN
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The Federal Communications Commission said Monday that millions of Americans could be at risk of losing internet access or as early as April if Congress does not quickly approve more funding for the popular federal aid program. He warned that he could face a sharp rise in internet charges.
In a letter to U.S. lawmakers obtained by CNN, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said existing funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program derived from the bipartisan Infrastructure Act of 2021 will run out. , wrote that more than 1,700 participating internet providers “could potentially cut off service to households.” Provides monthly discounts on internet plans to eligible low-income households.
“If Congress does not provide additional funding to ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefits they rely on to provide Internet service,” Rosenworcel wrote in the letter. ” in a letter to key members of Congress. “More funding is urgently needed to sustain ACP, continue to support households that rely on it, and reach other households who may be on the wrong side of the digital divide. .”
The letter was earlier reported by CBS News. The White House has asked Congress to extend the ACP with an infusion of $6 billion in new funding.
There’s no guarantee the $14 billion program can continue, Rosenworcel said, so the FCC will take initial steps to wind down the ACP this week, starting with notifying consumers, internet providers and others about the program’s termination. He said he plans to start taking measures.
In the coming weeks, the FCC plans to stop accepting new ACP registrations unless funding is restored and ultimately announce a specific end date for the program.
Currently, approximately 23 million households nationwide receive ACP benefits, including seniors, veterans, minorities, and others who qualify through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, school lunch allowances, Department of Veterans Affairs programs, and other means-tested households. Includes other people who got .
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