The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal communications program created by the FCC to bring better, faster, and cheaper internet access to underserved and low-income households in the United States. The program was created as a response to the “digital divide,” which serves as a major impediment to a range of opportunities in the 21st century. The program is designed to provide affordable, robust, and reliable broadband service to communities that have not been adequately served by traditional providers. It has a wide range of implications for both the residential and business users in these communities, as it enables increased access to educational and economic opportunities, improved economic development and prosperity, and better quality of life.
In this article, we will explore the fundamental components of the Affordable Connectivity Program and provide insight into how the program can be used to bridge the digital divide. We will look at the goals of the program, the types of services provided, and the various funding sources for projects that invest in expanding access to broadband. We will also examine the various providers who are part of the ACP, as well as the potential benefits associated with the ACP for residential and business users. By understanding the Affordable Connectivity Program, we can better appreciate how the FCC is working to bridge the digital divide, ensure equitable access to important services, and expand the potential opportunities available to many in underserved communities.
Background
In 2002, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in response to the continuing digital divide in the United States. The program was born out of a need to provide affordable, robust, and reliable internet access to underserved and low-income communities. As defined by the Government Technology website, “the digital divide is the gap between those people with access to information and communication technology – particularly broadband internet access – and those without.” The FCC has acknowledged the digital divide and its repercussions, emphasizing that this deficiency in connectivity has far reaching consequences on the economy, health, education, job opportunities and civic engagement.
At its inception, the Affordable Connectivity Program focused on the promotion and development of broadband internet access in economically challenged areas. The ultimate goal of the ACP is to promote the deployment of broadband services in a cost-effective and equitable manner that serves the needs of all users. Through the program, the FCC has emphasized the need for access to services for individuals who may not have been able to afford broadband service in the past.
Program Elements
The Affordable Connectivity Program has several broad components that make it work. These components include funding, services, and providers. Each of these components works together to provide the necessary resources for communities to build the infrastructure for broadband access and provide services at a price that individuals and small businesses can afford.
Funding
The primary source of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program has been the FCC Connect America Fund (CAF). The CAF consists of two parts: the Connect America Fund Phase I (CAF I), and the Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II). Under CAF I, the FCC offered billions of dollars in funding to traditional telecommunications carriers, such as AT&T, Verizon and CenturyLink. The goal of CAF I was to create a nationwide program to expand broadband access in underserved rural areas.
Under CAF II, the FCC shifted its focus to “price-capped” carriers, such as cable and wireless providers, along with “alternative carriers” such as electric cooperatives. This funding was designed to provide cost-effective and reliable internet services to low-income and underserved consumers. In addition, the FCC offers financial assistance to help individuals and small businesses get connected through various small grants and programs.
Services
The focus of the Affordable Connectivity Program is to provide affordable, reliable, and robust broadband access to people who live in underserved areas. To do this, the program facilitates the deployment and access of three key services: Mobile Broadband, Fixed Wireless (Fixed 5G), and Fixed Broadband.
Mobile broadband is a service that enables users to access the internet using a cellular network connection, such as 4G or 5G technology. Mobile broadband is well-suited for individuals and businesses in rural areas as it is cost-effective and reliable. Fixed wireless is a service that utilizes wireless technology to connect users to the internet through a dedicated line, such as a wired Wi-Fi or LTE connection. This type of connection is faster and more reliable, allowing for increased speeds and reduced latency. Fixed broadband is the most common type of service for residential and business customers, and utilizes fiber lines or cable providers to deliver faster speeds and better bandwidth.
Providers
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers subsidies to local providers to ensure they are offering connections to underserved and low-income communities at a cost that is reasonable. Eligible providers, under the ACP include price-capped providers, such as cable and wireless companies, as well as alternative carriers, such as electric cooperatives, rural cooperatives, and non-profits. Subsidies are provided to these providers in order to ensure they are providing their services at prices that households and small businesses can afford.
The Benefits
The Affordable Connectivity Program has the potential to greatly benefit many people, especially those who live in the most underserved areas. With the expansion of broadband access, these individuals and businesses are afforded increased access to educational and economic opportunities, improved economic development and prosperity, and better quality of life.
For residential users, access to reliable and affordable internet can enable them to get better access to educational and economic opportunities. This access can be used to access online tuition, educational material, and job search opportunities that could open up a range of possibilities for their careers and lifestyle.
For business users, the ACP has the potential to open up a range of possibilities for improved economic development and prosperity. Businesses in underserved areas can benefit from improved access to resources, new markets, and potential customers. Service providers, such as wireless and cable companies, also can benefit from the Affordable Connectivity Program, as it enables them to expand their reach while also reducing the price they are able to offer to customers.
Final Thought
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal communications program created by the FCC to bridge the digital divide and bring better, faster, and cheaper internet access to underserved and low-income households in the United States. The program is composed of three main components: funding, services, and providers. The primary source of funding for the program is the FCC’s Connect America Fund, which provides financial assistance to help individuals and small businesses get connected. The program offers three services – mobile broadband, fixed wireless, and fixed broadband – and is targeted towards price-capped carriers, electric cooperatives, and non-profits.
The Affordable Connectivity Program can have a range of potential benefits for both residential users and businesses users, as it can enable increased access to educational and economic opportunities, improved economic development and prosperity, and better quality of life. By understanding the Affordable Connectivity Program, we can better appreciate how the FCC is working to bridge the digital divide, ensure equitable access to important services, and expand the potential opportunities available to many in underserved communities.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the Affordable Connectivity Program to close the digital divide, provide better, faster, and more affordable internet access to underserved and low-income communities, and bridge the gap between those with access to the internet and those without. By giving individuals and businesses equal access to educational and economic resources, the ACP has the potential to improve both personal and economic opportunities for many in underserved areas. With the continued development and refinement of the program, it will hopefully allow individuals and businesses to bridge the digital divide and have access to the same resources as their more connected peers.