Fact of the Week: Extending Funding for the ACP Has Strong Bipartisan Support Among Registered Voters
Source: Joel Thayer, “New Poll: Broadband Affordability Program in Jeopardy But Has Overwhelming Bipartisan Support,” Digital Progress Institute, March 1, 2023.
Commentary: A survey conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and RG Strategies earlier this year shows there is overwhelming bipartisan support for extending the Affordable Connectivity Program’s (ACP) funding. According to the survey’s results, 78 percent of registered voters support the measure—specifically, 95 percent of Democrats, 70 percent of Independents, and 64 percent of Republicans. Support remains strong (greater than or equal to 60 percent) among all groups when breaking the respondents down by other characteristics such as age, education, and whether the respondent lives in an urban, suburban, or rural area.
The ACP was established in 2021 as a continuation of 2020’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The program provides qualifying households with up to $30 off their monthly Internet bills (and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands). Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute between $10 and $50 toward the purchase price. The program was allotted $14 billion when it was established, and more than 16 million people have enrolled nationwide. However, the program’s funding is projected to run out next year if Congress does not extend funding.
The survey received responses from 1,000 registered voters, half of whom were interviewed over the phone and the other half of whom were interviewed via text-to-web (SMS messages received via the Internet). The survey reports a margin of error of ±3.1 percent.
