Federal Communications Commissioner Starks Remarks at INCOMPAS 2024 Policy Summit

We stand at a crossroad in the landscape of communications and digital equity. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, one thing has remained unchanged—our commitment to ensuring that every American, regardless of where you live or how much you make, has access to reliable, affordable, and high-speed Internet. Access to the Internet is not just a matter of convenience—it is a fundamental issue of fairness, and a necessity for participation in modern life. Nearly a year ago today, I stood on this stage to call for us to secure a funding path for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The case has only grown stronger: ACP is a once-in-a-lifetime catalyst to bridge the digital divide. The time has to come to act. Without additional appropriations from Congress, April will be the last fully funded month of the program. Now, I’m an optimist at heart, and there are reasons for hope. There is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to fund ACP—the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act that I am proud to strongly support. I stand ready and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure that these Congressional proposals bear fruit. I’m excited for the future, and for all Americans to continue to have access to highspeed, affordable broadband. ACP is essential to achieve that goal. Let’s keep on pushing.