Broadband Breakfast on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 – Will the Affordable Connectivity Program be Renewed?
Funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program is likely to dry up in early 2024.
See Some Question Whether to Link Affordable Connectivity With Universal Service, Broadband Breakfast, October 12, 2023
Our Broadband Breakfast Live Online events take place on Wednesday at 12 Noon ET. Watch the event on Broadband Breakfast, or REGISTER HERE to join the conversation.
Wednesday, October 11 – Will the Affordable Connectivity Program be Renewed?
The renewal of the Affordable Connectivity Program has been a subject of considerable ambiguity in recent months. There have been widespread predictions that the program, which offers $30 and $75 monthly internet discounts to low-income households, is likely to dry up in early 2024. While experts have voiced concerns the end of the ACP will spell disaster for ongoing broadband expansion efforts, Congress has yet to take any action to replenish the program. What lies ahead for the ACP and its 19 million beneficiaries across the nation? Join us to hear from experts in the field as we discuss the fate of the ACP and explore potential pathways for promoting digital inclusion in the United States.
Panelists
- Kirsten Compitello, National Broadband Digital Equity Director, Michael Baker International
- Christopher Lewis, President, Public Knowledge
- Jonathan Cannon, Policy Counsel, Technology and Innovation, R Street Institute
- Debra Lathen, President, Lathen Consulting LLC
- Drew Clark (moderator), Editor and Publisher, Broadband Breakfast
Kirsten Compitello serves as Michael Baker’s National Broadband Digital Equity Director and is an experienced Planner with a focus on public engagement, policy, community planning, and visual storytelling. She leads the development of digital navigation and equitable planning tools within Michael Baker’s broadband practice. Her recent work has included BEAD and DEA state plans, a regional broadband connectivity roadmap for PA, digital equity community engagement events, communication and advocacy guides to promote adoption and literacy, and digital navigator program development.
Christopher Lewis is President and CEO at Public Knowledge. Prior to being elevated to President and CEO, Chris served for as PK’s Vice President from 2012 to 2019 where he led the organization’s day-to-day advocacy and political strategy on Capitol Hill and at government agencies. During that time he also served as a local elected official, serving two terms on the Alexandria City Public School Board. Chris serves on the Board of Directors for the Institute for Local Self Reliance and represents Public Knowledge on the Board of the Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group.
Jonathan Cannon is a policy counsel in technology and innovation at the R Street Institute. He researches and writes policy papers, op-eds and blog posts about significant topics related to technology and telecommunications; engages directly with leaders on key policy issue areas including ACP, net neutrality, spectrum, and broadband deployment.
Deborah Lathen, President of Lathen Consulting, LLC is the former head of the FCC Cable Services Bureau (now Media Bureau) and a seasoned communications and business attorney with vast experience and knowledge about broadband policy. In 1998 Deorah wrote the first FCC report Understanding Broadband and most recently partnered with Paul Garnett in authoring A Handbook for the Effective Administration of State and Local Digital Equity Programs.
Breakfast Media LLC CEO Drew Clark has led the Broadband Breakfast community since 2008. An early proponent of better broadband, better lives, he initially founded the Broadband Census crowdsourcing campaign for broadband data. As Editor and Publisher, Clark presides over the leading media company advocating for higher-capacity internet everywhere through topical, timely and intelligent coverage. Clark also served as head of the Partnership for a Connected Illinois, a state broadband initiative.
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