Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is Ending
Unless Congress takes action very soon, the ACP will run out of money in April of this year. Here’s what you need to know:
- The last day for consumers to apply and enroll in the ACP with a service provider was Feb. 7, 2024. Anyone enrolled by Feb. 7, will keep the $30 benefit until the fund runs out, which is expected to be in April 2024.
- Consumers should be receiving notices from their internet provider about the impact of ACP ending on their monthly bill and other cost-saving options.
- Contact your internet provider before April if you want to continue or cancel your service and to learn more about your options.
-
Learn more.
BEAD Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 Public Comment Summary
The CBO released a summary of the public comments received for Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the BEAD Initial Proposal.
Updated Availability Data
The CBO updated the availability data in the Colorado Broadband Map and Grant Discovery Portal on Jan. 26. The availability data is based on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Broadband Data Collection (BDC) current as of June 30, 2023, released by FCC Nov. 14, 2023. Additionally, a map of counts of Critically Unserved locations by hexagon using the FCC BDC is available for the Broadband Fund application process.
Stay in the Know
To make sure you are receiving timely information from the CBO on specific topics like the Advance Colorado Broadband Grant Program and the Broadband Deployment Board and Fund check your CBO subscription preferences.
BEAD Challenge Process
The “challenge phase” of the Advance-BEAD Challenge Process ran from Jan. 10 to Feb. 9, 2024. During that time approximately 21,950 locations were challenged. ISPs have 30 calendar days from notification of a challenge to provide a rebuttal. The CBO aims to make final determinations of location eligibility by April 17, 2024. For more information please visit the Advance-BEAD Challenge Portal.
Technical Assistance Program Funding
In 2023, the Technical Assistance Program awarded $315,128 in funding to support seven local governments that lacked the staff or resources to apply for broadband grants.
Broadband Fund Grant Application Deadline
Applications for the final 2024 Broadband Fund grant cycle are due Thursday, Feb. 15.
ACP Numbers
Even though the ACP is winding down, Coloradans are still benefiting from the program. 247,747 households have enrolled in the program accounting for 32.68% of eligible households in the state as of Feb. 5, 2024.
Digital Resources Available in Colorado
The Lifeline Program is a federal program that offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands). A consumer can qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid or other federal programs. Learn more about other low cost internet plans available in Colorado (English and Spanish).
State of Colorado Hiring up to 18 Digital Navigators
A second phase of the Digital Navigator Program launched last month. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is hiring 14 digital navigators in rural workforce centers and 4 in immigrant-serving organizations in Denver and Colorado Springs. These digital navigators will work primarily one on one, in person, with community members of historically marginalized communities to support digital inclusion.
The Joint Technology (JTC) will meet on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 a.m. M.T. You can listen to the audio. CBO is tracking the following broadband legislation:
The next broadband legislative stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 1:00 p.m. M.T. If you are interested in attending future meetings, please register. If you want to learn more or have questions about the upcoming legislative session, please contact michael.mcreynolds@state.co.us.
|
