1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The imminent depletion of funds for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) threatens to disconnect millions of Californians from the internet. This program has been pivotal in bridging the digital divide for low-income households over the past three years. The potential loss of internet access will disproportionately affect students who have relied on the ACP for remote learning during the pandemic. The Oakland Unified School District, for instance, reported a surge in home internet access from 12% to 98% due to the ACP. It is crucial to renew funding for the ACP to ensure equal access to education and prevent further exacerbation of socio-economic disparities. This is not merely a matter of connectivity, but an investment in our collective future.