Comments Due: March 16, 2022
Reply Comments Due: April 15, 2022
On January 14, 2022, the FCC adopted rules for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which builds upon the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program), to offer eligible low-income households discounts off the cost of broadband service and connected devices.
On the same day, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and invited comment on:
- Structuring a grant program in support of consumer outreach concerning the ACP as permitted in the Infrastructure Act.
- Implementing a mechanism for determining the application of the enhanced benefit for those serving high-cost areas, as to be determined by the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA).
- A potential pilot program focused on increasing the awareness and enrollment of eligible households participating in Federal Public Housing Assistance Programs in the ACP.
On February 14, 2022, the comment due dates were published in the Federal Register. Interested parties may file comments by accessing the Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference WC Docket No. 21-450 and WC Docket No. 20-445. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov.
Report and Order and Further Notice of Rulemaking:
URL: https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-releases-rules-implement-affordable-connectivity-program
Word: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-2A1.docx
PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-2A1.pdf
Text: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-22-2A1.txt
Link to the Federal Register publication:
URL: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/14/2022-02908/affordable-connectivity-program
For more information about ACP, please visit: https://www.fcc.gov/acp, and learn how to share this information with your community by visiting www.fcc.gov/acp-toolkit. For further information about the Further Notice, please contact Eric Wu, Attorney Advisor, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418-1543 or by email at eric.wu@fcc.gov. Individuals who use videophones and are ASL-fluent may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).