The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program that reduces internet costs to $30 per month for recipients and $75 per month for recipients on tribal lands. 1,718,552 Texans are enrolled in the program. However, if Congress does not fund the program, it could end next month.
A Spring man alerted Congressman Dan Crenshaw and Senator Ted Cruz in hopes of keeping the program afloat.
“They really need to think about this,” Dave Corson said. “It’s really small compared to the full budget amount, but it does benefit a large group of American citizens.”
The retired manufacturing security lecturer said he learned about the program two years ago while trying to negotiate with internet providers.
Corson applied the same day and was quickly enrolled.
“Internet is not cheap. So every little bit helps, especially for families with limited or very little income,” he said.
He lives in Spring with his retired wife, daughter and homeschooled granddaughter.
“Without ACP, maybe I can’t afford gigabyte service, and maybe I’m stuck with standard internet because gigabyte service does cost more than standard internet,” Corson said.
The FCC announced it would stop accepting registrations in February and no new funding is expected.
“We have successfully connected millions of homes to broadband service. The bipartisan infrastructure law established a historic and unquestionably successful program to make broadband affordable, but we now appear to be on the verge of letting this success slip away,” FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a press release. “Disconnecting millions of families from jobs, schools, markets and information is not the solution. Together with ACP, we have come too far to turn back.”
Corson said the $30 originally intended to pay the bill was put into a “just in case” account.
“In case something happens, an incident occurs, in case we need additional resources,” Corson said. “[I] Always want to save some money just in case. “
Corson lives in Congressman Crenshaw’s 2nd District, which includes parts of Spring, Kingwood and Woodland. According to the White House, 080 people in Region 2 participated in the program on February 21.
“People might say, ‘Just cancel the internet. You don’t need the internet,'” asked KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun.
“But in today’s world, everyone, everyone really needs it,” Corson said. “I’m not necessarily advocating for more federal spending; I’m just advocating for more federal spending.” I’m just saying do it the right way. Spend your money the right way. “
KPRC 2 reached out to Congressman Crenshaw and Senator Cruz but has not yet heard back.
However, Corson shared with Balogun the response he received from Crenshaw’s office shortly after Balogun was contacted.
Message from Congressman Crenshaw to Corson
Dear friends,
Thank you for contacting me about your affordable connectivity plan. I welcome and appreciate your attention and this opportunity to respond.
As you know, the Affordable Connectivity Program is a pandemic-era program created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to ensure reliable internet during uncertain times. The program stopped accepting new registration applications on February 8. While the Affordable Connectivity Program was created as a temporary benefit, legislation has been introduced in the House to expand the program. HR 6929, the Affordability Program Extension Act, extends the program through the end of fiscal year 2024 and provides $7 billion in funding.
I understand the importance of affordable broadband access to our communities, especially given its impact on education, telehealth services, job opportunities and overall connectivity. If H.R. 6929 or any legislation addressing broadband affordability reaches the House, I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.
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