The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are partnering to raise awareness for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The partnership will streamline the application process for those enrolling in federal housing assistance.

“I am pleased to partner with the Federal Communications Commission to close the digital divide and to spread the word about the Affordable Connectivity Program. All recipients of HUD assistance are eligible to receive free or reduced cost internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. I personally encourage you to sign up,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge, according to an Aug. 28 press release. “We are deeply committed to ensuring families and their children have the necessary resources to thrive, and this partnership makes it clear that eligible HUD households can get the financial help they need to equitably access broadband resources.” 

According to the press release, the partnership between the FCC and the HUD further strengthens the FCC's ongoing efforts to coordinate with various federal entities, ensuring that low-income households participating in eligible federal assistance programs receive information about the ACP. Outreach efforts will include: events at public housing and properties participating in HUD’s rental assistance programs, coordination meetings to review work on ACP outreach and collaborations on ACP outreach and education efforts.

“This agreement builds on our ongoing and tireless efforts to broaden awareness of an essential cost-saving program that can bring connectivity to families on the wrong side of the digital divide,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworce, accoridng to the press release. “I appreciate Secretary Fudge and our government partners for joining with us in getting the word out to consumers receiving federal housing assistance so they can learn about the ACP, and if they are eligible, to sign up and get connected.”