ACP Wind Down
On February 8th , the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) outreach and enrollment came to a—hopefully temporary—pause. We are all impacted by the freeze on ACP outreach and enrollment, but we are encouraged that there are many of you who are doing all you can to assist the communities you serve during this challenging transition.
While we don’t know what the future for ACP holds, we do know that the role of community partners and digital navigators is more important than ever as we help residents understand their options, navigate how an end to ACP will impact them, and find an affordable plan that works for their budget and needs.
To that end, we are providing materials for your review and to share among your communities.
Know that we are all in this together and look forward to partnering on long-term solutions as we focus on Digital Equity for All!
Call to Action and Resources:
Please, distribute the following information and attached materials widely in your communities:
- Wind Down Resources from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)
- Wind Down Fact Sheet from the FCC
- Illinois Broadband Lab resources (PDFs attached; coming soon in Spanish and Simplified Chinese):
- ACP Bi-Folder (high level; please print and fold)
- ACP Wind Down One-Pager (more detailed; addresses both households and Outreach Grantees)
- Affordable Internet Plans – Click here for a running list. If you have any additions, please email them to michelle.du@illinois.gov.
- Please know that this is a living document and will be updated as new information is available. It may not be exhaustive. A plan listed does not mean an endorsement.
- Researchers at Western Illinois University are seeking participation in a research study on ACP! The purpose of the study is to understand the extent to which trust in government services affected the willingness of people to enroll in the ACP. They are studying the barriers people who enrolled in ACP perceive and whether they are compounded by distrust. If you have a social media account or email distribution list and are willing to help spread the word, then the WIU research team would appreciate it very much! The link to the survey can be found here: https://wiusurveys.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eWYvUcrvEHL9J7E
Illinois Lead for America Digital Navigator List
Advocacy Opportunities
We’d also like to point you to opportunities to advocate for ACP to be re-funded by Congress. Below are a few advocacy opportunities if you would like to activate your community in fighting for the continuation of this program:
If you have any questions, you may contact the Illinois Office of Broadband at broadband@illinois.gov or the Illinois Broadband Lab at illinoisbroadbandlab@uillinois.edu. We welcome conversations, ideas, and opportunities for partnership as we navigate what’s next together.
