By Andy Stutzman

Today marks the last full day of funding for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) which provides financial support for 23 million low-income households across the country. To advocate for refunding the program, Next Century Cities joined forces with ally organizations, corporations, and public figures at the Affordable Connectivity Program Rally.  Hosted by Public Knowledge, Civic Nation, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Digital Progress Institute, and media partner Broadband Breakfast, at the Shaw (Watha T. Daniel) Neighborhood Library in Washington, DC, It was an incredible showing of support for the ACP Extension Act by leaders, including Commissioners Anna Gomez and Geoffrey Starks, Senator Peter Welch, and Jon Donnenburg, the White House’s Deputy Director on the National Economic Council.

The day included a lightning panel with ACP recipient, Taylore Abshire, a student at Catholic University Law School who spoke passionately about her limited resources and the necessity of the ACP for her education and potential interviews for future jobs.  NCC member William Honnablew Jr., Digital Equity Coordinator with the City of Baltimore, also sat on the panel where he showcased his passion for the ACP program and emphasized the importance of building trust with the community. Through his account, he highlighted how the wind down of the ACP not only loses essential connectivity for millions of households, but also the trust of the local governments and nonprofits that have worked tirelessly to get people connected.

Though the situation is dire, the energy in the room in support of the ACP and the ACP Extension Act was incredible. This fervor was especially palpable as  Commissioner Starks spoke,  passionately emphasizing the tremendous success of the ACP and imminent threat to low-income households if it is eliminated. Starks echoed the  sentiments from a group of Black women at a recent New York City rally as he exclaimed, “And that ain’t right!”, leading the attendees in a powerful call and response that empowered attendees.

And it isn’t right. Next Century Cities encourages our members to reach out to their representatives in Congress and express their concerns. Read NCC’s press release about the end of the ACP here. Visit Public Knowledge’s Make Broadband Affordable site to share your message today.