Member News

R Street Institute Event Advocates for Conservative Support on ACP Funding

In a demonstration of the bipartisan support for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), panelists discussed why conservatives should support renewing funding.

On September 12, NaLA attended the R Street Institute event “The Conservative Case for the Affordable Connectivity Program” on Capitol Hill at the Rayburn House Office Building. The discussion focused on why conservatives should support the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and what a pathway to additional funding could look like.

The event opened with a fireside chat between former FCC Commissioner Mike O’Reilly and Luke Hogg, Director of Outreach at the Foundation for American Innovation. In his remarks, O’Reilly called the ACP a successful program that allows for market competition across rural, urban, and suburban communities.

“This is not about Republicans or Democrats, not about Red or Blue,” O’Reilly said in response to a question about the current debates to renew ACP funding. “This is something felt in every district and important for all Americans.” 

The former Commissioner expressed worries about the future of broadband if ACP were to run out of funding, arguing that the best path forward is to address short-term budgetary needs. As that happens, he said, conservatives will be able to have broader conversations about reforming the Universal Service Fund (USF) and other programs.

Following their conversation, Shane Tews, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, moderated a conversation with R Street’s Jonathan Cannon; Edward Longe, Director at the James Madison Institute’s Center for Technology and Innovation; Jeffrey Westling, Director of Technology and Innovation Policy at the American Action Forum; and Bartlett Cleland, Executive Director at the Innovation Economic Alliance.

Panelists shared their perspectives on how and why conservatives are pushing for ACP renewal. According to Cannon, “one of the things most desirable to us conservatives is that [ACP] is a market-driven approach,” calling it, “game-changing.”

Westling agreed, adding that “if you want to get the most bang for your buck, you want a program like the ACP.”

“Some program has to address broadband affordability and [without ACP], they’re going to reclassify broadband as a Title II service,” Westling explained. “I would be shocked if we let ACP expire, and if we don’t hear arguments about regulating companies. So if you’re a conservative, I think it’s important to support the current alternative.”

Panelists all agreed that if the ACP were to end, it would negatively affect people in low-income communities across the U.S., particularly elderly and rural consumers. The panelists stood united on the need for ongoing funding, highlighting how crucial the ACP is in empowering millions of Americans to succeed in the digital era.

NaLA believes that closing the digital divide means making broadband affordable for all Americans so that they can stay connected each and every month. We have partnered with advocates on both sides of the aisle to support the continuation of this program to ensure individuals and families are not left without affordable and consistent access to essential online services.

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Glen Echo GroupR Street Institute Event Advocates for Conservative Support on ACP Funding
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NaLA congratulates Anna Gomez on her confirmation to the FCC

The Senate voted today to confirm Anna Gomez as the fifth Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission. Gomez brings extensive experience working in telecommunications policy, including at the FCC in previous roles. NaLA released the following statement from Board Chairman David Dorwart:

“The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) and I on behalf of all of stakeholders extend our warmest congratulations to Anna Gomez for her confirmation as an FCC commissioner. She is a veteran of telecommunications policy with a proven commitment to public service and expanding access to affordable communications. We look forward to working together to realize our common goal of providing every low-income American with sustainably affordable access to essential communications services.”

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Glen Echo GroupNaLA congratulates Anna Gomez on her confirmation to the FCC
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Next Century Cities Congressional Briefing Advocates for ACP Refunding

On July 19, NaLA along with The Pew Charitable Trusts, Buckeye Regional Council, Common Sense Media, and Next Century Cities hosted experts and community leaders for a Congressional Briefing focused on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) at the Nelson Mullins office. The discussion highlighted the significant impact of the ACP and emphasized the need for its continuation and strengthening.

The event featured keynote remarks from Doug McCollough, CIO of Dublin, Ohio and Mike Lynch, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Director at NATOA and a panel discussion moderated by Kathryn de Wit from The Pew Charitable Trusts with panelists: Kenya Asli from the City of Baltimore, Maryland; Ryan Collins from the Buckeye Hills Regional Council of Governments; Khotan Harmon from the City of Austin, Texas; and Drew Garner, State Broadband Policy Advisor from Common Sense Media.

During his keynote remarks, McCollough acknowledged that while the ACP may not be the permanent solution for broadband accessibility, it has been a catalyst for progress in digital equity. The program’s innovative nature has forced various stakeholders to work together, and to advocate for high-quality broadband access for everyone, especially underserved communities. He also recognized the pivotal role of service providers in ensuring the program’s success and acknowledged the importance of communities being empowered to voice their needs effectively.

Panelists shared insightful perspectives on some of those communities. For example, Garner emphasized that 98 percent of students use the internet for homework, highlighting the need for universal connectivity to ensure equal educational opportunities. Asli discussed how the ACP has allowed previously underserved communities to engage in the digital economy. She emphasized that as more government resources and services move online, we will need to ensure equitable and sustainable access to these resources for all citizens. Collins noted that access to the internet opens doors to telehealth and remote work, offering critical opportunities for economic growth in communities.

The panelists agreed that there is an urgent need for additional ACP funds. Garner stressed the importance of the device component in the ACP and emphasized the necessity of broadband subsidies to ensure universal affordable connectivity.

Collins emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility in continuing ACP funding, as it serves as the foundation for community prosperity and access to the global culture. He explained that a loss of ACP funding would “pull the rug out from under all that opportunity,” that has been built in rural areas. Communities “need access to the global culture so these communities don’t feel isolated. People can survive without the internet, but they can’t truly thrive. Thus, without it, it will take them back. It will suck the air out of the community”.

The panelists’ unanimous call for continued funding underscores the impact of the ACP in ensuring that millions of Americans can thrive in the digital age. NaLA believes that closing the digital divide means making broadband affordable for all Americans so that they can stay connected each and every month. We advocate for the continuation of this program to ensure individuals and families are not left without affordable and consistent access to essential online services.

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Glen Echo GroupNext Century Cities Congressional Briefing Advocates for ACP Refunding
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Statement from the National Lifeline Association on NARUC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Resolution

NARUC’s Telecom Committee voted today to pass its resolution supporting congressional funding for the ACP. See page 3 here for the resolution. 

Below is a statement from David B. Dorwart, Chairman of the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) on the resolution:

“The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) supports NARUC’s Resolution Supporting Permanent Funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Whether through annual appropriations or the Universal Service Fund, it is critical that Congress act to ensure that this vital program not run out of funds next year. Failure to act in a timely manner risks cutting off nearly 20 million American families from the internet and all that digital connectivity enables – from personal well-being to a well-functioning economy.  NaLA applauds NARUC’s track record of leadership on ensuring that low-income American families can get and stay connected to affordable broadband services each and every month.”

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Glen Echo GroupStatement from the National Lifeline Association on NARUC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Resolution
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Affordable Connectivity Program Week of Action June 14-22

It’s ACP Week of Action!

NaLA is proud to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program Week of Action, hosted by Civic Nation and the U.S. Department of Education.

The goal of this week is to spread awareness about this program to millions of people, help thousands of new households get enrolled, and tell the story of how the ACP is helping to close the digital divide for students, their families, and all Americans.

Here’s how you can get involved and show your support for this essential program:

  • Add your organization’s name to the list of participating organizations.
  • Follow NaLA on LinkedInTwitter, and Facebook, and share our #OnlineForAll content.
  • Send us a testimonial from a consumer or enrollment representative for us to feature on the NaLA website.
  • Write a letter to your Congressional representative expressing why this program is so important. (Find your representative here)
  • Share resources about the program with your teams, like Education SuperHighway’s resource hub.
  • Register for the 2023 National Lifeline & ACP Conference to discuss how we can work together to bridge the digital divide.
Other Week of Action Happenings:
ACP Resources:
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Glen Echo GroupAffordable Connectivity Program Week of Action June 14-22
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NaLA congratulates Anna Gomez, Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr on their nominations to the FCC

Today the White House announced the nominations of Anna Gomez, Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr to serve as FCC commissioners, NaLA released the following statement:

The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) congratulates Anna Gomez on her nomination by President Biden to serve as FCC commissioner and applauds the selection of a member of the Latino community. NaLA also congratulates Commissioners Carr and Starks on their renominations to continue their work as FCC commissioners. NaLA looks forward to working with Ms. Gomez, Mr. Carr, Mr. Starks and the full FCC to ensure that all Americans have affordable access to essential communication services.

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Glen Echo GroupNaLA congratulates Anna Gomez, Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr on their nominations to the FCC
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NaLA Establishes National Agent Coalition to Support Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Representatives

Formation of agent coalition committed high standards of business for ACP and Lifeline agents

Today, the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) announces the establishment of the National Agent Coalition (NAC), the national trade association for distributors and representatives who conduct in-person enrollment into the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs (ACP).

NAC will serve as a voice for agents, who are on the front lines of bridging the digital divide through these programs. They will support the industry by providing resources for agents, increasing agent impact and ensuring eligible consumers are enrolled. The group will ensure enrollment efforts are conducted with the highest level of business standards and will meet on an ongoing basis to develop and maintain a rigorous Agent Code of Conduct, among other agent and distributor resources. 

The initial NAC includes seven members: 

  • Kristi Brown –– Community Outreach Partners
  • Calen Schultz –– Community Outreach Partners
  • Jon Sarver –– Sarver Corporation
  • Stephen Alexander –– PayGO Distributors
  • Carlos Camarena –– Moreable
  • Michael Fries –– Goodnight Marketing
  • Casey Lillie –– 1 Source Communications

“Programs like ACP and Lifeline are vital to connecting all Americans to broadband. Without our agents, we wouldn’t be able to get these programs in the hands of the people who need them the most,” says David B. Dorwart, Chairman of the NaLA Board. “Our agents are essential ambassadors for these programs and NAC will work to ensure that we continue to meet the high standards of customer service and excellence that both our members and we require.”

“Agents are an integral part of the equation and deserve a clear path to long-term success,” says Kristi Brown, NAC Committee Member and Managing Director for Community Outreach Partners. “We need to focus on what happens on the ground, just as much as we are on what happens at the policy and provider level. Implementation is key. We’ve developed NAC to uphold high standards of accountability and integrity with our enrollment representatives and to avoid any confusion around enrollment practices for consumers.”

“Collaborating across the industry is the only way we can make sure that we equip our agents with the tools they need to bring ACP and Lifeline to communities in need. Forming NAC will give us a chance to standardize our processes and do our due diligence to ensure success,” emphasized Calen Schultz, NAC Committee Chair and Managing Director for Community Outreach Partners

NaLA works toward the preservation and advancement of Lifeline and the ACP through stakeholder engagement, education, collaboration and advocacy. The Lifeline program and the ACP are federally-run programs that provide subsidized data, text and voice services to qualifying low-income Americans. The United Service Administrative Company administers both programs under the direction of the FCC.

To read more about NAC, visit: www.nalalifeline.org/nac-committee/

Read the official press release here.

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Glen Echo GroupNaLA Establishes National Agent Coalition to Support Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollment Representatives
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Listen to NaLA Board Member, Danielle Perry, talk about Lifeline and ACP on “The Divide” Podcast

Danielle Perry, NaLA Board Member and chief compliance officer at TruConnect, joins host Nicole Ferraro on The Divide, a podcast from Light Reading, to talk about how the company is keeping customers connected through the federal government’s Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The episode covers discussions about Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP); Why TruConnect, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), is pushing back on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) potential ruling; and the need for consumer advocacy regarding mobile and home connectivity.

Listen to The Divide: TruConnect’s Danielle Perry on the role of MVNOs in keeping people online here.

Read the full transcript of this episode here.


About the National Lifeline Association (NaLA):

The National Lifeline Association is the only industry trade group specifically focused on the Lifeline segment of telecommunications. We support the four essential components of Lifeline: ETCs & Providers, Distributors, Lifeline Participants & Supporters, and Government & Regulatory Bodies. We are passionate about the continuity and advancement of the Lifeline program, and we drive this vision through our mission to “support the providers, distributors, participants, and supporters of Lifeline through education, cooperation, and advocacy.”

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Chelsea BoylanListen to NaLA Board Member, Danielle Perry, talk about Lifeline and ACP on “The Divide” Podcast
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DC Circuit Court Backs NaLA on Lifeline Argument

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed a new argument on behalf of the agency stating it is not to be held accountable for reimbursing internet and phone carriers for providing subsidized services if the services are not in use. 

The D.C. Circuit as well as the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) were not on board with the argument posed. To put this into perspective, the legal counsel for NaLA released an analogy, “Think of it like a hamburger. If the National Lifeline Association served a hamburger to each of the judges, and Judge Rao ate none of hers while Judge Edwards only ate half, and U.S. Circuit Judge Gregory G. Katsas finished his, the nonprofit would have still spent the same amount on each of those burgers.” 

“My cost in serving those hamburgers is the same thing. I can’t take it back, and I can’t serve it to somebody else,” added John J. Heitmann, a legal representative for NaLA.

In having the carriers set forth a budget based upon its total number of subscribers each month; whether a subscriber uses the services provided or not, the carriers still lose money. Heitmann said a carrier can lose up to $34.25 for every user who doesn’t cure their nonuse within a 15-day span. 

For more information, visit https://www.law360.com/telecom/articles/1319437/dc-circ-mulls-whether-lifeline-carriers-got-raw-deal

 

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Lee SchaferDC Circuit Court Backs NaLA on Lifeline Argument
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