May 20, 2024
Broadband Work Continues in Lake County as Affordable Connectivity Program Ends Nationwide
Since its passage in December 2021, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has provided free or low-cost internet services to eligible, low-income residents through a $30 per month subsidy, ensuring connectivity for education, employment, and other essential online activities. However, the Federal Communications Commission is actively winding down the program as Congress has not approved additional funding required to sustain this program beyond May 2024. Residents who are currently enrolled in ACP will receive a partial subsidy of $14 towards their current internet services for the month of May.
ACP enrolled households are encouraged to review written notices from their internet company and from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP administrator, about the ACP wind-down. Residents are also encouraged to contact their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill.
Here are additional resources residents can utilize:
- The Federal Communications Commission has developed a Fact Sheet in English and Fact Sheet in Spanish, which includes information about consumer protections and what steps consumers should take during its wind-down and after the ACP ends.
- Lake County has compiled a list of potential options for residents to consider. Our Affordable Internet Plans website provides alternative options for mobile and internet service including a list of providers and information about each plan, including eligibility.
As the ACP ends, Lake County continues its work to understand the current state of high-speed internet service and address solutions for improvement countywide through our Digital Growth Initiative. Through the adoption of the first-ever Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan, the county is seeking to bridge the digital divide.
"Every resident and business in Lake County should be able to access reliable, high-speed internet, which is essential for work, school, medical needs and keeping connected," said Jennifer Clark, Chair of the County Board Special Committee on Broad and Lake County Board Member District 15. "We want to help remove barriers to affordable internet, improve device access, and offer digital skills training, so everyone has the resources to participate in an ever-increasing digital society."
Current initiatives include deploying digital navigators and public Wi-Fi hotspots, developing device donation and distribution campaigns, coordinating digital skills programs, collaborating efforts towards a Dig Once Policy and developing the Lake County Digital Equity Coalition.
Organizations and residents are invited to join the Digital Equity Coalition, which will support the continued planning and implementation of strategies outlined in Lake County’s Broadband and Digital Equity Plan. To help, fill out the interest form on the Digital Growth Initiative webpage.
Also, any parties who are interested in viewing and applying for upcoming RFP processes, including Digital Navigators and Public Wi-Fi Hotspots, can register on the County’s Vendor Registration Portal.
These efforts are intended to foster relationships with key stakeholders to best serve the communities and discover what pieces of the digital equity puzzle can be met by the county’s Digital Growth Initiative.
Access to high-speed internet is crucial to our Lake County residents and businesses,” said County Board Chair Sandy Hart. "With the support of our community partners and the federal government, we are addressing digital equity."
Learn more by visiting the Lake County Digital Growth Initiative website.
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