Advocates Seek Conditions if ACP Extension Petition Granted

A coalition of advocacy groups asked the FCC to condition any extension for providers on applying the affordable connectivity program benefit to any of their plans "on necessity and not convenience," in comments posted Wednesday in docket 21-450. Groups including National Consumer Law Center, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Next Century Cities, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Public Knowledge and MediaJustice submitted comments in response to petitions filed by AT&T (see 2203290046) seeking 120 additional days, and the Competitive Carriers Association (see 2204010040) seeking 60 days. "It is both disappointing and unfortunate that so many of the larger providers are seeking an extension on one of the main advantages of the ACP over [the emergency broadband benefit program]," the groups said. If a provider can "demonstrate that timely compliance is not feasible," the FCC should require that provider to notify existing and new ACP customers about their extension and allow customers to apply their benefit to any participating provider's service, the groups said. Providers with an extension should also list the new date that they would start complying with the rule, provide notice that the benefit is portable and instructions on how to port the benefit, and provide information about the ACP complaint process, they said.