The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is gearing up to partner with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promote awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among Federal housing assistance recipients.
“This agreement builds on our ongoing and tireless efforts to broaden awareness of an essential cost-saving program that can bring connectivity to families on the wrong side of the digital divide,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “I appreciate [HUD] Secretary [Marcia] Fudge and our government partners for joining with us in getting the word out to consumers receiving federal housing assistance so they can learn about the ACP, and if they are eligible, to sign up and get connected.”
The ACP, funded by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, offers eligible low-income households a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
As part of the partnership, FCC and HUD will work to raise awareness of the ACP program among Federal housing assistance recipients through:
- Outreach and enrollment events at public housing, in properties participating in HUD’s multifamily project-based rental assistance programs, and with key partners;
- Regular coordination meetings to review work on ACP outreach intended to target HUD-assisted households including through a series joint in person enrollment events around the country;
- Collaboration on ACP outreach and education efforts, including development of messaging and targeting intended audiences.
HUD said its goal with the partnership is to increase its outreach activities, as well as decrease the time it takes for recipients of HUD assistance to sign up for the program. FCC noted that the new partnership furthers its efforts to coordinate with other Federal agencies to ensure that low-income households participating in eligible federal assistance programs are provided information about the ACP, including how to enroll in the program.
“I am pleased to partner with the Federal Communications Commission to close the digital divide and to spread the word about the Affordable Connectivity Program. All recipients of HUD assistance are eligible to receive free or reduced cost internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program,” said HUD Secretary Fudge. “We are deeply committed to ensuring families and their children have the necessary resources to thrive, and this partnership makes it clear that eligible HUD households can get the financial help they need to equitably access broadband resources.”
