National Association of Counties
On November 18, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a request for public comment on the implementation of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Enacted under the recently signed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the ACP extends and modifies the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which Congress previously established to provide financial support for low-income households to acquire and maintain broadband services and certain connective devices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded at $14.2 billion, the ACP also includes broadband consumer protection programs and the establishment of a study on digital discrimination.
The ACP makes a few important modifications to the existing EBB program, which are set to take effect on December 31, 2021, though impacted households will have a 60-day transition period during which their current benefit will remain unchanged. These include:
The ACP also directs FCC to publish guidance on the development and display of Broadband Consumer Labels that disclose information about broadband internet access service plans. The ACP additionally includes a digital discrimination clause under, which states that the FCC has two years to issue guidance facilitating and modeling state and local best practices for equitable internet access.
Counties support the permanent establishment of a broadband affordability program, as well as support expanded access to high-speed internet access in underserved and unserved communities. To share more information with your residents with regards to the updated ACP or to submit comments, please click here.
The FCC’s Wireline Protection Bureau is currently conducting a public comment period for the ACP, and the period is open from November 18 to December 8. NACo is reviewing the program and encourages counties to reach out with any questions or concerns.
<p>At this point, it’s no secret that cybersecurity is a top priority for all counties – a priority that takes significant IT resources and expertise to improve.
<p>In their earliest years, children benefit from consistent, nurturing relationships with caregivers. However, infants and toddlers are twice as likely to enter foster care compared to older children.
<p>The nature of the opioid epidemic has evolved over time, and with each evolution, counties have adapted to ensure our systems, services and policies meet the needs of our communities.
<p>Hear from Fulton County representatives as they discuss how utilizing real-time data has empowered new ways of connecting the community, breaking down silos and streamlining information access.
<p>Law enforcement officers are often the first responders when a person is experiencing a behavioral health crisis, but some public safety leaders are trying to change that.
<p>Counties play a critical role in deploying resources and managing implementation of programs or policies that support the well-being of community members.
<h3><strong>Counties Matter in Human Services</strong></h3>
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<p>All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary,
<p>All matters pertaining to telecommunications and technology policy, including, but not limited to, the county role as a telecommunications regulator, service provider, and consumer, cable services technology and implementation, info
