AGENDA DATE: 2/2/2022
TITLE:
Title
Affordable Connectivity Program Bridge Benefit
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Update on efforts to achieve affordable broadband in Albemarle County
ITEM TYPE: Consent Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Henry, Culp, Inofuentes
PRESENTER (S): Mike Culp; Jason Inofuentes
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Albemarle Broadband Accessibility and Affordability Office (Broadband Office) was established in May 2021. One of the goals of the Broadband Office is, through teamwork and community involvement, develop programs to make broadband more affordable for all community members in Albemarle County. During 2021, the Broadband Office promoted community sign-ups for a temporary federal broadband affordability program named the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). EBB is now being replaced by the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
ACP is a permanent federal benefit provided to qualifying community members. Community members who qualified for the temporary EBB program receive up to $50 per month in federal funds. More information on ACP can be found at: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.
In this transition to ACP, the federal funds are reduced to up to $30 per month. The Broadband Office and Departments of Finance & Budget and Social Services discussed the $20 difference between EBB and ACP. The team agreed to utilize available funds provided to the Broadband Office to "bridge" the difference. The Albemarle County Affordable Connectivity Program Bridge Benefit (ACPBB) is proposed to add to the ACP benefit by $20 per month, thereby achieving the original $50 per month benefit provided by the EBB.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Infrastructure Investment - Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs.
DISCUSSION: The background is provided as an information only update to the Boar...
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