Bipartisan House Leaders support affordable connectivity program extension
More than 900,000 North Carolinians are at risk of losing their access to affordable internet at the end of this month. The Affordable Connectivity Program is set to lapse if Congress does not allocate more funding. Last month, bipartisan members of the North Carolina House of Representatives sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to renew funding for the ACP.
The letter reads in part:
“The ACP is a bridge connecting families to the vital economic opportunities provided by the internet, ensuring access to work, education, and healthcare. In a state that is in desperate need for internet infrastructure, the termination of the ACP could unravel the fabric of North Carolina’s progress, leaving our communities disconnected and at a competitive disadvantage. North Carolina is a vibrant place for companies to do business, and we are competing on a global scale. The continued economic growth and job-creation success of our state must be sustained through the continued growth and expansion of digital infrastructure. But the closure of ACP enrollments this month and the uncertainty of its future risks widening the digital divide between us and other states.”
The letter was signed by Republican Leader John Bell, Democratic Leader Robert Reives, Rep. Jason Saine and Rep. Jake Johnson.
“North Carolinians are relying on the Affordable Connectivity Program to help connect them to high-speed internet at an affordable price,” House Democratic Leader Reives said. “This is a priority for rural communities like the ones I represent and for so many other regions across our state.
You can read the full letter here.
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