ACA Connects Members Make Major Strides in Closing the Broadband Adoption Gap
Many Members Are Offering Robust, Reliable Broadband at No Cost to In-Need Consumers
PITTSBURGH, May 9, 2022 – The following statement may be attributed to ACA Connects President and CEO Matthew M. Polka:
“ACA Connects lauds its Members and others in the American ISP community who have stepped up to offer at no-cost a robust, high-speed tier of broadband service to U.S. households in financial need. Their actions, which means reducing prices and/or raising speeds, will make a big difference in closing the digital divide once and for all.”
“There was a time when we thought the goal of ensuring that America was 100% connected to the Internet was out of reach. That’s no longer the case. The federal government first enacted the Affordable Connectivity Program and then ACA Connects Members and others — 20 Internet Service Providers in total — seized that opportunity to make a robust and reliable broadband service available to in-need households at no-cost. This public-private effort will greatly benefit those most in need and enable them to fully access quality education, employment, enrichment and fun entertainment so much in abundance online.”
“ACA Connects appreciates that President Biden and Vice President Harris recognized the 11 ACA Connects Members offering this level of service today: Allo Communications, Hawaiian Telcom, Astound, Breezeline, Comporium, Jackson Energy Authority, Mediacom, MLGC, Vermont Telephone Co., Vexus Fiber, and WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone.”
“The involvement of these broadband providers exemplifies the efforts that all ACA Connects Members are making to meet the needs of their communities, including by offering affordable services to all customers and participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program.”
About ACA Connects: America’s Communications Association – Based in Pittsburgh, ACA Connects is a trade organization representing more than 600 smaller and medium-sized, independent companies that provide broadband, phone and video services to nearly 8 million customers primarily located in rural and smaller suburban markets across America. Through active participation in the regulatory and legislative process in Washington, D.C., ACA Connects’ members work together to advance the interests of their customers and ensure the future competitiveness and viability of their businesses.