WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Wide Range of Community Advocates and Industry Applaud President Joe Biden’s Efforts to Extend the Affordable Connectivity Program

In the 21st century, affordable, reliable high-speed internet is a necessity for Americans to do their jobs, participate equally in school learning, access health care, and stay connected. But too often, high costs create a barrier and tens of millions of families, students, and seniors are left without access to high-speed internet, or have to sacrifice other necessities to pay their internet bill, exacerbating underlying inequities.

The Affordable Connectivity Program, enacted under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is already helping over 21 million households save over $500 million per month on their monthly internet bills. The program is also critical for the Administration’s 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.

A wide range of elected officials, community advocates, public interest groups, industry associations, internet service providers are celebrating the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Here’s what they are saying:

Elected Officials

California Congresswoman Doris Matsui: “Today, President Biden outlined a robust funding package that 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.” [Statement, 10/25/2023]

African American Mayors Association: “It is great to see the Biden @WhiteHouse fighting to fund ACP. Black communities are disproportionately impacted by the broadband affordability gap. ACP is the best tool we have to close the digital divide. We need Congress to extend funding.” [Statement, 10/27/2023]

National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL): “We urge Congress to fund critical domestic needs to support families, expand connectivity, and contribute to disaster relief aid.” [Tweet, 10/26/2023]

Public Interest and Digital Advocacy Groups

Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Angela Siefer: “Along with librarians, digital navigators, and nonprofit leaders from 1,500 organizations nationwide, NDIA celebrates the White House’s renewed commitment to providing internet for all.” [Statement, 10/25/2023]

Distinguished Fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy and Benton Institute Senior Fellow, Gigi Sohn: “Kudos to the White House for including $6 billion in the domestic supplemental for the Affordable Connectivity Program, the monthly broadband subsidy for low-income, tribal and high cost households. It’s critical that everyone is connected to the Internet!” [Tweet, 10/25/2023]

Open Technology Institute: “The @WhiteHouse just urged Congress to fund the #AffordableConnectivityProgram through December 2024. Congress: The ball is in your court. Act now to help millions of American households get connected—and stay connected—with high-speed #broadband.” [Tweet, 10/25/2023]

R Street Institute, Jonathan Cannon: “ACP has proven itself to be one of the better broadband programs and has made strides to addressing the affordability gap of the digital divide. With funds due to lapse, Congress is in a position to improve and continue this program that could replace other programs.” [Tweet, 10/26/2025]