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BlogOn December 31, the FCC officially launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14.2 billion program enacted under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program authorized under COVID relief legislation.FCC launches the Affordable Connectivity Program
- FCC launches permanent program aimed at helping low-income households access the internet
- Temporary broadband benefit program will transition into the ACP over the next 60 days, with additional guidance to come
- FCC is offering an outreach toolkit for all counties to alert eligible households of the transition to the ACP
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Blog
FCC launches the Affordable Connectivity Program
On December 31, the FCC officially launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14.2 billion program enacted under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program authorized under COVID relief legislation.
The ACP provides a long-term investment in broadband affordability and ensures households can access high-speed internet services that are essential for participation in virtual education, telehealth, work and more. The transition from the EBB program to ACP is now underway, and all households fully enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. Any household not enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, will now need to enroll under the ACP, which they can do so here.
The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. More information about steps current EBB recipients must take to continue receiving the ACP benefit after March 1, 2022, will be available in the coming weeks.
The FCC is offering outreach materials and resources for all stakeholders interested in spreading awareness of the program. Counties are strongly encouraged to utilize these resources and communicate changes to affected residents to help ensure eligible households continue to receive this important benefit.
Additional Resources
- NACo Blog: FCC opens comment period for Affordable Connectivity Program established under IIJA (naco.org)
- NACo Blog: NACo teams with FCC to spread awareness of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program
- NACo Blog: FCC announces new resources and funding opportunities aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic (naco.org)
On December 31, the FCC officially launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14.2 billion program enacted under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program authorized under COVID relief legislation.2022-01-04Blog2022-01-04
On December 31, the FCC officially launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14.2 billion program enacted under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program authorized under COVID relief legislation.
The ACP provides a long-term investment in broadband affordability and ensures households can access high-speed internet services that are essential for participation in virtual education, telehealth, work and more. The transition from the EBB program to ACP is now underway, and all households fully enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. Any household not enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, will now need to enroll under the ACP, which they can do so here.
The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. More information about steps current EBB recipients must take to continue receiving the ACP benefit after March 1, 2022, will be available in the coming weeks.
The FCC is offering outreach materials and resources for all stakeholders interested in spreading awareness of the program. Counties are strongly encouraged to utilize these resources and communicate changes to affected residents to help ensure eligible households continue to receive this important benefit.
Additional Resources
- NACo Blog: FCC opens comment period for Affordable Connectivity Program established under IIJA (naco.org)
- NACo Blog: NACo teams with FCC to spread awareness of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program
- NACo Blog: FCC announces new resources and funding opportunities aimed at closing the homework gap during the COVID-19 pandemic (naco.org)

About Seamus Dowdall (Full Bio)
Associate Legislative Director – Telecommunications & Technology
Seamus is the associate legislative director for telecommunications & technology on NACo's government affairs team.More from Seamus Dowdall
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County News
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Counties investing in supportive services for low-income families greatly improves children’s well-being and decreases neglect, according to national experts, county leaders and federal officials. -
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HHS proposes changes to federal child care subsidy program
On July 13, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with significant updates to the regulations governing the Child Care Development Fund. -
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USDA issues implementation guidance for new SNAP requirements
On June 30, the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued guidance for states implementing changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) authorized earlier that month under the Fiscal Responsibility Act. -
Reports & Toolkits
The County Role in Food Systems
Among our numerous responsibilities, serving as the front line of the social safety net is a primary function of county governments to ensure healthy, safe and vibrant communities for our residents. -
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An alternative solution for the government workforce crisis
NACo Partner Resource This blog post is sponsored by NACo partner CAI. Explore our latest blog on leveraging neurodiversity for a stronger government workforce.
Contact
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Associate Legislative Director – Telecommunications & Technology(202) 942-4212
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Legislative Director – Human Services & Education | Veterans & Military Services(202) 661-8843
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