The White House is asking Congress for an additional $9.1 billion to support the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including $6 billion to help fund its Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and $3.1 billion for the FCC to fund the removal of outdated communications infrastructure operated by providers.
The supplemental funding request, which the White House sent to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, looks to expand access to high-speed internet across America through the ACP. The program, funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service and connected devices.
According to the White House fact sheet, the ACP has already helped over 21 million households save over $500 million per month on their monthly internet bills. The proposed $6 billion of additional funding for the program would help aid high-speed internet deployment programs for rural, remote, and Tribal communities.
“Without this funding, tens of millions of people would lose this benefit and would no longer be able to afford high-speed internet service without sacrificing other necessities,” the White House said. “The administration is requesting additional funds to strengthen the program by extending free and discounted high-speed internet for eligible households through December 2024.”
As for the other $3.1 billion requested, the White House said it would help the FCC “to reimburse communications providers for the ongoing removal of insecure equipment and software from U.S. communications infrastructure.”
Specifically, this funding would help the agency’s “rip and replace” program that funds the removal of communications equipment and services produced or provided by China-based Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation.
Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, applauded President Biden on the robust supplemental funding package, which she said will “help us secure our technological future and deliver for the American people.”
“Fast, reliable broadband access determines who gets to participate in the modern economy. That is why I have been such a staunch advocate of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which has proven its ability to help us close the digital divide and get Americans online. It is imperative that we do not let this program lapse,” Rep. Matsui said in a statement on the funding request.
“In addition to keeping families connected, President Biden’s request provides an opportunity to ensure the networks that support those connections are trusted and reliable,” Rep. Matsui continued. “I have long led efforts to remove suspect equipment like Huawei and ZTE from our communications infrastructure. The longer we wait to address the funding shortfall in this program, the more we jeopardize America’s national security by leaving our networks vulnerable. Together, these investments chart a path forward for a more secure and inclusive digital ecosystem.”
