To appropriate funds for the Federal Communications Commission’s rip and replace program and Affordable Connectivity Program, to improve the Affordable Connectivity Program, to require a spectrum auction, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 9, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
This bill increases federal funding for two major broadband programs and tightens eligibility rules for one of them. It appropriates $3.08 billion for the FCC's rip and replace program, which removes Chinese-made telecommunications equipment from networks, and $6 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides subsidized internet service to low-income households. The bill also makes significant changes to the Affordable Connectivity Program by eliminating device subsidies, restricting who qualifies for assistance through school lunch program eligibility, and requiring all applicants to use the National Verifier for income verification rather than allowing providers to verify eligibility through their own programs. Additionally, the legislation requires the FCC to hold spectrum auctions within two years for wireless licenses that were previously offered but remain unassigned, potentially generating revenue from telecommunications companies. Households currently receiving benefits will have a 180-day grace period before the new eligibility rules take effect.
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