The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program that lowers the cost of internet for recipients up to $30 per month and $75 a month for those on Tribal lands.
In Texas, 1,718,552 people are enrolled in the program. However, the program will likely end next month if Congress doesn’t fund the program.
A Spring man is sounding the alarm to Congressman Dan Crenshaw and Senator Ted Cruz in hopes of keeping the program afloat.
“They really seriously need to consider this a little,” said Dave Corson. “It’s really tiny compared to the full budget amount, but it certainly benefits a large group of American citizens.”
In a statement to KPRC 2, Senator Cruz’s spokesperson suggests ACP recipients are eligible for other federal programs.
“While the COVID-era broadband subsidy is set to run out funding in April, many recipients should qualify for other federal broadband programs,” the spokesperson said. “Last week Sen. Cruz laid out a plan to reform the federal government’s broadband programs in order to reduce hidden, regressive taxes on Americans’ phone bills and protect consumers. He looks forward to working with his colleagues in Congress and the administration on legislation to ensure we’re targeting subsidies to those who truly need them.”
Corson, a retired manufacturing safety instructor, said he found out about the program two years ago when he was trying to negotiate with his Internet provider to lower his bill.
Corson applied the same day and enrolled shortly thereafter.
“The internet is not cheap. So, every little bit helps, especially in a household where you’re on limited income or very little income,” he said.
He lives in Spring with his retired wife, daughter, and granddaughter, who is homeschooled.
“Without the ACP, maybe I couldn’t afford gigabyte service or maybe I’d have to drop down to just standard internet because gigabyte service does cost more than standard internet,” Corson said.
The Federal Communications Commission announced it stopped accepting enrollments in February anticipating no new funding.
“We have successfully connected millions upon millions of households to broadband services. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established a historic and unquestionably successful program to make broadband affordable, and we now appear on the brink of letting that success slip away,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a press release. “Disconnecting millions of families from their jobs, schools, markets, and information is not the solution. We have come too far with the ACP to turn back.”
Corson said the $30 that would have gone towards his bill went to a “just in case” account.
“In case something came up, an accident, in case we needed extra resources,” Corson said. “[I] always tried to save some money just in case.”
Corson lives in Congressman Crenshaw’s 2nd District, which includes parts of Spring, Kingwood and The Woodlands. According to the White House, 21, 080 people in the 2nd District are enrolled in the program.
“People could say, ‘Just cancel the internet, you don’t need the internet,” said KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun.
“But everybody, everybody really needs it in today’s world,” Corson said. “I’m not necessarily advocating more federal spending, I’m just saying do it the right way, spend it the right way.”
KPRC 2 reached out to Congressman Crenshaw but have not yet heard back.
However, Corson sent the following response:
Thank you for reaching out to me regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program. I welcome and appreciate your concerns and this opportunity to respond.
As you may know, the Affordable Connectivity Program is a pandemic-era program created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure reliable internet during uncertain times. The program stopped accepting new applications for enrollment on February 8. While the Affordable Connectivity Program was created as a temporary benefit, legislation has been introduced in the House to extend the program. H.R. 6929, the Affordability Program Extension Act, would extend the program through the end of fiscal year 2024 and provide $7 billion in funding.
I understand the importance of affordable broadband access in our communities, especially considering its impact on education, telehealth services, job opportunities, and overall connectivity. Should H.R. 6929 or any legislation addressing broadband affordability reach the House floor, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.
SENATOR TED CRUZ SPOKESPERSON’S FULL STATEMENT:
In his role as top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, Sen. Cruz has focused on ensuring broadband subsidies are truly reaching those who need them most. Unfortunately, many of the Biden administration’s programs are duplicative, rife with fraud, and have been shown to have an inflationary effect on broadband prices. This ultimately places an unfair burden on taxpayers—particularly low- to middle-income Americans.
“While the COVID-era broadband subsidy is set to run out funding in April, many recipients should qualify for other federal broadband programs.
“Last week Sen. Cruz laid out a plan to reform the federal government’s broadband programs in order to reduce hidden, regressive taxes on Americans’ phone bills and protect consumers. He looks forward to working with his colleagues in Congress and the administration on legislation to ensure we’re targeting subsidies to those who truly need them.