FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 11, 2024
CONTACT: [email protected]
One Country Project Statement on Possible Shutdown of the Affordable Connectivity Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, former U.S. Senator and One Country Project (OCP) founder Heidi Heitkamp released the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) newly released notice on the early wind down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to Congress’ failure to renew funding:
“Reliable internet service has become a necessity in building rural communities and ensuring access to jobs and education, building small businesses, and expanding access to telehealth care in the 21st century. In just 13 months, over 22.5 million American households have utilized the program. Rural and Tribal Nation residents have signed up for ACP discounts at a higher rate than their urban counterparts, helping to close the digital divide facing rural communities.
“It is unacceptable for a program that has benefited so many across America to end merely because of partisan gridlock in Congress. With an April funding deadline – and an imminent stoppage of new applications for ACP discounts – Congress must act to ensure this vital program continues to support those disproportionately affected by lower access to reliable internet connectivity.”
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About One Country Project
Rural America holds an essential role in moving the United States forward and the One Country Project is dedicated to ensuring Rural America’s priorities and values are heard and reflected in policy at the federal level. To learn more, visit us at www.onecountryproject.com or on Twitter or Facebook.