NYSTA APPLAUDS FEDERAL LEGISLATION TO EXTEND THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM FOR NEARLY 1.5 MILLION NEW YORK FAMILIES

ALBANY, NEW YORK (January 11, 2024)- NYSTA, the New York State Telecommunications Association, whose members provide Broadband, Video, and Telephony services throughout New York State and serve urban, suburban, and rural customers are pleased by the today’s legislative action to extend the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).  The federal legislation by Senators Welch (Welch (D-VT), Vance (R-OH), Rosen (D-NV), and Cramer (R-ND) and Representatives Clarke (D-NY) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) would extend funding for the ACP program through the end of 2024.

“Currently, over 1.5 million New York families depend on the Affordable Connectivity Plan to assist them in paying for internet services that they rely on every day,” said Craig J. Miller, President of the New York State Telecommunications Association.  “Without federal action, the program will run out of funds in the next few months and could end Broadband access to over 1.5 million New York customers. This disruption would also have an immediate negative impact to our successful efforts in closing the Digital Divide in New York State. We urge Congress to pass this legislation.”