City Encourages Long Beach Residents Enrolled in the U.S. Affordable Connectivity Program to Review Internet Bill as Program Funding Nears Completion
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - As the digital divide continues to be a pressing issue in communities across the nation, the City of Long Beach is taking proactive measures to bridge this gap. With nearly 50,000 households at risk of losing their internet service discount through the U.S. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the City's Technology and Innovation Department (TID) is urging enrolled residents to take necessary steps to prepare for potential changes to their internet plans.

Since 2021, the ACP has provided $14.2 billion in funding to qualifying low-income households, including 47,167 households in Long Beach. This program offers a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service and other discounts. However, with funding expected to end this spring and no supplemental funding from the federal government, these households may soon lose their discount.

In response to this issue, on February 20th, the Long Beach City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Extension Act. This legislation would provide an additional $7 billion in funding for the ACP and ensure that millions of low-income households across the nation, including those in Long Beach, can continue to access reliable high-speed internet.

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"Additional funding from the federal government will continue the ACP and ensure that low-cost internet access remains accessible to our enrolled residents and businesses," stated Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga.

The City's commitment to bridging the digital divide is further demonstrated by its Office of Digital Equity and Inclusion's efforts to inform and prepare impacted residents for potential changes. Enrolled households are encouraged to check in with their Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for updates on their ACP benefits and engage with trusted community-based organizations for assistance.

Residents can also stay informed by frequently checking emails and mail from their ISPs or visiting affordableconnectivity.gov and fcc.gov/acp for updates. They are also advised to contact their ISP for any questions about the end of the ACP and to review a list of frequently asked questions available in English and Spanish on fcc.gov/acp.

For further assistance, residents can contact the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575. The City's Digital Inclusion Resource Hotline at 562.570.7000 is also available for information and support, with a callback model currently in place.

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"We strongly encourage everyone enrolled in the ACP to contact their Internet Service Provider to review their plan in order to avoid bill shock if and when the funds run out," said Lea Eriksen, Director of Technology and Innovation.

In addition to these efforts, Long Beach residents who may be impacted can access public computer labs or free WiFi at any open Long Beach Public Library location or select parks.

The City's commitment to increasing access to affordable and reliable internet connectivity is evident through its Digital Inclusion Initiative and Roadmap, which can be found at longbeach.gov/ti/digital-inclusion. Mayor Rex Richardson stated, "The City of Long Beach supports legislation and funding that increases households' and businesses' access to low-cost or free high-speed and reliable internet." With these efforts in place, Long Beach remains dedicated to ensuring all residents have equal opportunities for full participation in society and the modern economy.

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