You can find a PDF of this press release here.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brittany-Rae Gregory
brittany-rae@nextcenturycities.org
February 21, 2024

Washington, D.C. (Februrary 21, 2024) – Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission paused enrollment for the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”), which has reached over 20 million households across the US, who represent only a fraction of residents eligible for the program. Absent additional funding, the program is set to expire in April 2024. Despite ACP’s potential loss, community advocates and local leaders persistently cite affordability as the number one reason that residents do not have home broadband subscriptions and adequate devices. 

In a series of 56 resource one pagers, Next Century Cities explores the relationship between poverty and computer and Internet access across the state as well as spotlight a diverse range of local communities. The one pagers also highlight state and local initiatives, news articles, and reports that showcase the breadth of strategies targeted at bringing residents online. 

Stacey Baxter, Next Century Cities’ Program Manager, stated: 

“As American families increasingly face financial difficulties, essential household needs, like access to high-quality broadband, are adding to the stressors of providing for their families. Our research highlights  why vulnerable populations nationwide need additional support, particularly as we look at socioeconomic factors. The data indicates that there is a correlation between those who lack access to broadband and digital devices and individuals who fall below the poverty line. This connection is undeniable and should be a focus for local officials who aim to end the digital divide, especially as the ACP faces a potential close.”

Corian Zacher, Next Century Cities’ Senior Policy Counsel for State & Local Initiatives, remarked: 

“With more resources and data about broadband access and adoption than ever before, navigating the multitude of information available remains a barrier for time-strapped community leaders. Our research organizes hundreds of publications and tools into state-specific snapshots, equipping researchers, local officials, and community advocates with background on local digital inequities and showcasing the range of initiatives cultivating ubiquitous affordable, high-quality broadband service, skills, and devices.” 

Andy Stutzman, Next Century Cities’ Executive Director, noted:

“Our members and local digital equity coalitions are actively seeking resources to assist them in understanding the digital equity funding opportunities at both the federal and state levels. These state and territory resource pages offer critical information that will assist them in understanding the current landscape and make critical decisions for their communities.”

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