Comment Letter on the FCC’s FNPRM for the Affordable Connectivity Program’s Grant Program

Re: Proposed Rule, Federal Communications Commission; Affordable Connectivity Program; 87 FR 8385, WC Docket No. 21-450

Dear Ms. Dortch:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) appreciates the opportunity to submit reply comments on the Federal Communications Commission’s (“the Commission”) Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the above referenced proceeding (“FNPRM”), which in part, seeks to establish an outreach grant program to help implement the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”).

The FNPRM seeks comment on how the Commission should establish an outreach grant program to enable increased uptake of the ACP by eligible households.[1] The Chamber supports the Commission’s proposal to create an outreach grant program considering such a program will help ensure the success of the ACP and successfully connect all Americans. The grant program should be structured to maximize initial participation in the ACP but should not be a permanent outreach program in order to preserve the ACP’s existing resources. Also, the Chamber recommends that eligible entities for outreach grants should include all types of entities that have demonstrated ability to utilize such grants in the past, including state and local chambers of commerce and private sector stakeholders. Finally, we agree with commenters that the application and reporting requirements and processes should be minimally burdensome to encourage participation and ensure resources are focused on using the grant funding for outreach.[2]

The Chamber commends the Commission for pursuing this FNPRM and we look forward to collaborating on the implementation of the ACP and other broadband programs in the future. If you have any questions, please reach out to Matt Furlow at mfurlow@uschamber.com.

 Sincerely,

Matt Furlow
Policy Director
Chamber Technology Engagement Center
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

[1] Affordable Connectivity Program, 87 Fed. Reg. 8385 (proposed Feb. 14. 2022) (to be codified at 47 C.F.R. pt. 54).

[2] See National Lifeline Association comments at 6.