Next Century Cities’ mission is to ensure local leaders have the resources and autonomy to develop the connectivity solutions their communities need. We know that the most powerful digital equity movements involve community members who are informed and local leaders who are ready to collaborate. In June, NCC released Resources for Broadband Advocates: Making Digital […]
By Ryan Johnston On June 14th, the White House kicked off a “week of action” devoted to raising awareness and enrollment for the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”). Nationally, only 18.7 million of the eligible 52 million households (35.8%) are enrolled in the program. This is a truly outstanding achievement for a program that is only
The ACP has Been a Success, but Closing the Digital Divide Requires Future ACP Funding Read More »
By Stacey Baxter The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was launched in December of 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). It promotes broadband affordability among low-income individuals and families, providing Internet subsidies to those who meet certain eligibility criteria. So far, the ACP has helped to provide more than 18 million
Funding for the ACP Means Supporting Mental Health and Wellness for Americans in Need Read More »
By Brian Donoghue Introduction The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a critical component of the nationwide effort to bridge the digital divide. Established on a bipartisan basis by Congress, the ACP provides subsidies that enable low-income households to get – and stay connected – with monthly broadband subscriptions. Despite its success in reaching over
By Corian Zacher In 1958, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe purchased a telephone company, becoming the first network of its kind in the United States. Since then, eight other Tribes have purchased telecommunications companies. With unprecedented funding for broadband and the migration of financial, health, educational, and employment services online, more Tribes are leading efforts
By Ryan Johnston On May 23, 2023, the California State Assembly Committee on Communications and Conveyance held an informational hearing entitled “Digital Equity and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.” The hearing was called to provide oversight of the California Public Utilities Commission and examine the barriers to deploying State broadband funding. In
By Ryan Johnston The Pennsylvania Bar Institute is the continuing legal education arm of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Each year, PBI hosts a public utilities law conference, bringing together attorneys from across the state working on power, oil and gas, water, and telecommunications issues. On June 2, 2023, Next Century Cities’ Ryan Johnston provided remarks
You can find a PDF of this press release here. For Immediate Release Contact: Brittany-Rae Gregory brittany-rae@nextcenturycities.org June 16, 2023 Washington, D.C. (June 16, 2023) – Today, Next Century Cities voices its strong support for Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s decision to initiate a Notice of Inquiry investigating the effects of data caps set
You can find a PDF of this press release here. For Immediate Release Contact: Brittany-Rae Gregory brittany-rae@nextcenturycities.org May 23, 2023 Washington, D.C. (May 23, 2023) – On Tuesday, May 23rd, at 9:30 a.m. PDT/12:30 p.m. EDT, the California Assembly Committee on Communications and Conveyance will hold an informational hearing, “Digital Equity and the Broadband Equity,
By Ryan Johnston The latest data indicates that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has enrolled over 17 million households. To date, the ACP’s expenditure is roughly $500 million monthly. Without additional funding, the program is projected to be exhausted by the second quarter of 2024. Some estimates show that it could take up to $30
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