Agenda - Council - 09/13/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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affordability when determining whether an area is unserved or underserved by broadband. Some commenters indicated that the final rule should allow for the construction of broadband networks in low-income neighborhoods including low-cost or no -cost gap networks, even in areas with existing service at the speeds required under the interim final rule. Other commenters voiced support for direct subsidies to low-income communities to afford broadband service, which would provide additional incentives for providers to serve these communities. Treasury Response: In response to many commenters that highlighted the importance of affordability in providing meaningful access to necessary broadband infrastructure, the final rule provides additional requirements to address the affordability needs of low-income consumers in accessing broadband networks funded by SLFRF. Recipients must require the service provider for a completed broadband infrastructure investment project that provides service to households to: • Participate in the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP); or • Otherwise provide access to a broad -based affordability program to low-income consumers in the proposed service area of the broadband infrastructure that provides benefits to households commensurate with those provided under the ACP. Recipients must require providers to participate in or provide access to these programs through the life of the ACP. This requirement will no longer apply once the SLFRF-funded broadband infrastructure is no longer in use. Furthermore, Treasury also recognizes the importance of affordable broadband access for all consumers beyond those that are low income. As part of their project selection process, recipients are encouraged to consult with the community on the general affordability needs of the 308