Federal program supplying internet access to thousands of Utah households set to expire February 8
Federal program supplying internet access to thousands of Utah households set to expire February 8 FOX 13 News Utah
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FCC Chairwoman Warns of Potential Loss of Affordable Internet Access for Thousands of Utah Households
Introduction
WASHINGTON, DC — FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has raised concerns that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which aims to provide affordable internet access, may no longer be able to accept new enrollments. This puts over 73,000 households in Utah at risk of losing their internet access.
FCC Chairwoman’s Letter to Congressional Appropriators
In a letter addressed to Congressional appropriators on Thursday, Rosenworcel emphasized that the ACP will no longer be able to accept new applicants in just one week’s time.
“The Affordable Connectivity Program is connecting millions and millions of households across the country. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created this program, our largest-ever effort to make broadband affordable nationwide, but we now are on the brink of letting that success slip away,” said Rosenworcel.
The Importance of the Affordable Connectivity Program
The ACP currently supports nearly 23 million households nationwide, providing assistance to eligible low-income households in paying for monthly broadband service. It has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide and ensuring internet access for those who cannot afford it.
Potential Loss of Access and Outreach Efforts
If Congress does not approve new funding, the ACP will stop accepting enrollments on February 8. To mitigate the impact, an outreach effort is already underway to inform those who rely on the program about the potential loss of access.
Following the FCC’s announcement of the final month of ACP funding, households will receive two more notices regarding the end of the program. These notices will provide information on how they can opt-out of or change their service before their rates increase.
Find ACP Participation by Congressional District
For a breakdown of ACP participation by Congressional district, please click here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020 | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5% | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, particularly at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020
- Target 10.c: By 2030, reduce to less than 3% the transaction costs of migrant remittances and eliminate remittance corridors with costs higher than 5%
- Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, particularly at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No, the article does not mention or imply any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
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Source: fox13now.com
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