Closing the digital divide is as important as ever, but a key program to achieving that goal, the Affordable Connectivity Program, is set to end in early 2024.

By enabling millions of Americans to get online, including over 86,000 Maine households, the ACP has proven its worth as a crucial driver of economic growth and prosperity in the United States.

In the increasingly digitized society, businesses, employees and employers must be connected to participate in today’s economy. The ACP has allowed Mainers to access online marketplaces, enabled small businesses to advertise and grow their brand, and delivered countless other services across every industry.

Without the ACP, we will lose a significant portion of the progress we’ve made toward digital equity, and those that are forced offline will be at a severe disadvantage.

The ACP is important for future efforts aimed at rural broadband expansion. With over $270 million in federal funding coming to Maine through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, an initiative aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure, it’s crucial that these dollars meet their maximum potential.

Studies show that the ACP’s existence increases the likely number of subscribers in an area, and in turn reduces the subsidy needed to incentivize providers to invest in rural broadband deployments.

Congress should follow the lead of Sen. Susan Collins and leaders who have worked to expand access to high-speed internet by extending this vital program. If not, tens of millions of Americans and the economy at large will suffer.

Shanna Cox, president and CEO of the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce