Are Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subsidies being targeted to households currently without broadband? The Federal Communications Commission's Office of Inspector General (OIG)  currently lacks a reliable source for the information requested. OIG is not aware of any process to collect information regarding prior broadband access as part of the ACP consumer eligibility verification and enrollment process.  Has the FCC developed specific goals and metrics to track the ACP’s effectiveness and progress over time?  The FCC established three goals for the ACP: (1) reduce the digital divide for low-income consumers, (2) promote awareness and participation in the ACP and the Lifeline program, and (3) ensure efficient and effective administration of the ACP. Nonetheless, GAO found that neither the FCC’s goals nor corresponding measures were expressed in a quantifiable manner. OIG is currently conducting an audit relevant to this question. Has the FCC adequately communicated with participating providers to prepare for potential lapses in ACP funding? OIG does not have information responsive to this question.

I guess it’s inevitable that a $42.5 billion grant program would attract a lot of legislative action trying to set some parameters on how to spend the money. Recent hearings conducted by the House Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Technology looked at issues that would expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure. The subcommittee is considering 32 bills related to broadband infrastructure, many of the bills still in draft form. Following are just a few bills that show the breadth of House legislation being considered:

• Broadband Expansion and Deployment Fee Equity and Efficiency or “BEAD FEES” Act: This draft bill from Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) would require states that accept federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) money to ensure that application fees charged by state and local governments are transparent, competitively neutral, and cost-based;
• Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act: Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID) is drafting a bill that would eliminate the need for environmental or historic preservation reviews for deploying broadband projects on previously disturbed federal lands;
• Timely Replacement Under Secure and Trusted for Early and Dependable Broadband Networks or “TRUSTED Broadband Networks” Act: Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) would eliminate the requirement for an environmental or historic preservation review before removing and replacing network equipment that affects national security;
• Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) wants the National Telecommunications and Jobs Act (NTIA) to update Congress on whether the Departments of Interior and Agriculture have created an online portal for tracking applications to deploy communications infrastructure on federal property;
• The Broadband Incentives for Communities Act (H.R. 1241): Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) would require the NTIA to establish a grant program to assist local governments and Indian tribes with the efficient review of zoning or permitting applications for broadband infrastructure.