NextLight announced on Monday that it will continue providing discount service to Longmont “even if Congress ends the Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP,” for income-qualified customers.
The ACP was established in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law allocated $14.2 billion to ensure that households had access to affordable broadband. The benefit provided the service for $30 per month for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualified Tribal lands. There are now over 22 million households enrolled in the program.
The funding is set to run out in April unless Congress authorizes a new round of funding. The Federal Communications Commission has begun winding the program down. The program will no longer accept new applications or enrollments after Feb. 7.
Those enrolled in the program have received notification that the program will end soon and were advised to contact their local internet company to see how their bills will change.
NextLight began a discounted program in 2020 with a similar goal to make internet more affordable. When the ACP program began, it switched its services to take part in government funding. Should that funding come to an end, NextLight announced that it would once again offer discounts of its own, according to a news release from NextLight.
“NextLight has long believed that fast and reliable internet service should be available to our entire community,” said Valerie Dodd, executive director of NextLight. “We hope that Congress continues to support this program that has helped so many, but we’re prepared to create new options for our customers if necessary so that NextLight’s speed and reliability can continue to meet their needs.”
NextLight will guarantee the ACP rates through May 1 and will have alternative options available to customers at least 30 days prior, said Scott Rochat, public relations and marketing specialist for Longmont Power and Communications.
"In all cases, we will continue to serve those customers who need our assistance most. NextLight is a service created for all of our community, and that is and will remain our focus," Rochat said in an email.
