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CWA's Broadband Brigade Joins FCC Officials to Push for ACP Extension

21 Mar, 2024

Earlier this week, CWA Broadband Brigade members Nick Hoh and Pam Galpern joined Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officials, elected officials, and broadband equity advocate groups to call for an extension to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). According to the FCC, the ACP has made high-speed internet affordable for approximately 23 million households. Without an extension, the ACP will run out of funding in May.

The press conference, which took place on the steps of City Hall in New York City, was convened by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) who, with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), proposed the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 which, if passed, will provide an additional $7 billion in funding for the ACP.

Pam Galpern, a Field Technician at Verizon for 25 years and a shop steward for CWA Local 1101, shared her personal experience, saying, “We can only shrink the digital divide if families can actually afford to get connected. Without help, high-speed internet costs too much for many families trying to make ends meet. If the ACP is allowed to expire, it will cut off a lifeline for all of those families.” Galpern continued, “There’s another benefit to the ACP. It means more work for union workers like me, who build and maintain the network that connects households to the internet. The ACP isn’t just an internet affordability program—it is a good jobs program as well.”

Also in attendance was FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, who said, “I was thrilled to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Congresswoman Clarke to raise awareness of the urgent need to refund the Affordable Connectivity Program and to support the Affordable Connectivity Plan Extension Act. Over 23 million American households stand on the precipice of losing access to a vital program. We must act now to refund ACP."

CWA Broadband Brigade members participated in a press conference calling for an extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) stood with FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel (in pink jacket) calling for passage of the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act.