National Lifeline Association

Congratulations to Commissioner Brendan Carr for being named as the next FCC Chair. Cmr. Carr has served on the FCC since 2017, where he has worked to promote responsible and regulated broadband opportunities. NaLA looks forward to working with Cmr. Carr to reform and refund the Universal Service Fund and Affordable Connectivity Program. See NaLA's full statement: https://lnkd.in/g3WeP8eF

Today marks 3 years since the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Its impact has been immense, having assisted almost 23 million families at its peak with $30-a-month subsidies for their internet bills. While funding allocated to ACP by the infrastructure law ran out in May, Congress could reauthorize additional funding to bring it back. Broadband availability and affordability are being addressed by stakeholders and internet service providers across the country, though the government also has a role to play.

The 2024 National Lifeline and ACP Conference took place on October 15-16 in New Orleans, bringing together industry leaders and advocates to discuss the future of broadband access and equity. It was wonderful to see so many of you in person and share more about NaLA’s work advocating for Lifeline and ACP programs. Find all of the photos from the event at: https://lnkd.in/gMrKn6Rb To learn more about the conference highlights, members can check out the full recap here: https://lnkd.in/gQA-_ZF2

NaLA congratulates President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Vance on their victory in the 2024 presidential election.?In our digital era, everyone — regardless of age, zip code or political affiliation — needs access to affordable, high-speed internet. "We are particularly grateful to Sen. Vance, who has been a staunch advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and look forward to his continued support for keeping low-income American households connected to affordable internet," says NaLA Chairman David B. Dorwart. Learn more about NaLA's advocacy efforts: https://lnkd.in/gpUx9GAx

Across the U.S., internet costs are rising, according to a new U.S. News & World Report. The report found that the average internet bill at sign-up among the 5 most populous states was $81, $4 higher compared to their?April 2024 survey report, which showed the average initial internet bill nationwide was $77. Most surprisingly, while a majority of respondents from the most populous states say they haven't had to cut expenses to?pay their monthly internet bill, an average of 28% have at some point had to tighten their budgets so they could pay for their internet services. The ACP alleviated the burden for millions of households, and its popularity is not lost. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dPTXYmYZ

ICYMI, last week Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz revealed a plan to help rural voters by restoring the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program has been lauded by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as beneficial for rural populations. The former $30-a-month broadband subsidy has been linked to extending telemedicine services, broadening economic opportunities, and improving access to remote learning and job resources. Read on: https://lnkd.in/gYr2VU7n

Thank you to all our attendees, speakers, and sponsors for making this conference unforgettable. Your support helps shape the future of Lifeline & ACP!

This Fireside Chat with NaLA Chair David B. Dorwart, Mignon Clyburn & NARUC’s Sherry Lichtenberg has become a fan favorite session at the National Lifeline & ACP Conference. They discussed the state of ACP funding, the outlook for Universal Service Fund reform and the impact of the upcoming election on Congress, the FCC and other important programs. What can NaLA members do in this environment? Commissioner Clyburn recommended sharing data and Sherry encouraged talking with state commissions.

Thank you Dr. Cheryl Jackson for an uplifting keynote at our 2024 National Lifeline & ACP Conference. “What you and I do is built on people who care about people,” she said, drawing parallels between providing food through Minnie's Food Pantry and the work NaLA members do to connect low-income Americans to essential communication services every day. “The services you provide change lives,” she continued. We are ready to be the difference!

Thank you to Dr. Cheryl Jackson for an uplifting keynote at our 2024 National Lifeline and ACP Conference! “What you and I do is built on people who care about people,” she said, drawing parallels between providing food through Minnie's Food Pantry and the work NaLA members do to connect low-income Americans each and every day to essential communications. “The services you provide change lives,” she continued. We are ready to be the difference!