Broadband
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
March 12, 2024 - WASHINGTON - With funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) set to expire in April 2024, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) is pushing to bring the ACP Extension Act to the House floor for a vote. This bipartisan legislation would renew funding for the program and help Valley families save on their monthly internet bills.
The ACP Extension Act would provide $7 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides affordable high-speed internet options to qualifying households in the United States. Costa is a co-sponsor of the bill and helps nearly 350,000 enrolled households across the San Joaquin Valley. In addition, Costa has signed several letters to Congressional leadership to prioritize renewing funding for the program before funding expires.
“Access to broadband is a necessity, not a luxury. Thousands of Valley families depend on the ACP to stay connected at a low, reliable cost. With funding set to expire, Congress must act now! This legislation would continue closing the digital divide in our communities.” said Costa.
BACKGROUND
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, which Costa advocated and voted to enact into law. The program provides a monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service, and up to $75 monthly for those living on tribal lands.
Since its implementation, over 22.5 million households nationwide and 2.9 million households in California have enrolled in the program, including 84,518 households in California’s 21st Congressional District.
San Joaquin Valley Breakdown
| District | Counties | Enrollment |
| CA-05 | Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Stanislaus, Tuolumne | 36,476 |
| CA-13 | Fresno, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus | 60,792 |
| CA-20 | Fresno, Kern, Kings, Tulare | 53,051 |
| CA-21 | Fresno, Tulare | 84,518 |
| CA-22 | Kern, Kings, Tulare | 103,507 |
| Enrollment | 338,344 |
See State-by-State level data on the Affordable Connectivity Program HERE.
Source: Congressman Jim Costa
