Congress must reauthorize the Affordable Connectivity Program

A 2020 study found that 18% of people living on tribal lands did not have access to high-speed internet, which far surpasses the 4% of people who live in nontribal areas who lack access. Furthermore, the cost of a monthly internet plan continues to be a challenge for low-income communities nationwide, especially those on tribal lands. While major investments are being made to build the infrastructure needed to deliver broadband access, including on tribal lands, another barrier to everyone actually adopting high-speed internet at home is still prevalent, and that's affordability. Nearly half of adults without a home broadband subscription cite cost as the primary reason. Fortunately, the federal government has created an effective tool to reduce this cost barrier for eligible households in the Affordable Connectivity Program. For those living on tribal lands, ACP provides a $75-per-month subsidy to help pay for high-speed internet service. As a member of a federally recognized tribe, I am an enrollee in ACP and can speak firsthand to the impact the program has had on my life and other members of my community. It has equipped me with the internet speeds needed to organize programs for Tribal Technology Training (T3) and participate in digital equity webinars. More importantly, ACP has made it so those living on tribal lands who previously couldn't afford any sort of internet plan can now get connected, access telehealth resources, take online education courses, use online banking services and so much more. Many people take these things for granted, but they are conveniences that are not available to those still living on the wrong side of the digital divide. That's why Congress must protect ACP's long-term future. I urge leaders in Congress to think about tribal community members who rely on ACP to get affordable, high-speed internet connections that allow us to learn, work and manage our daily lives. Without this program, we will lose an essential tool for economic growth, educational opportunity, and community organization.

[Will Booth, is an enrolled member of the Ts'msyen Nation, is the Director of Operations for First Nation Foundation, Inc., a member of the Joint American Indian Veterans Advisory Council, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Advisory Council, and a Govenors Challenge-member for Suicide Prevention and the director of operations for the Tribal Technology Training (T3) program in Seattle.]