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U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-GA, is pushing Federal Communications Commission (FCC) nominees on how the commission can best ensure all qualified Georgians have access to broadband internet through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). According to Warnock, ACP has helped over 600,000 Georgians afford internet access, while more than three million low-income households in the state are eligible for the program.

Those who meet the ACP’s criteria are eligible to receive monthly discounts on internet services and discounts on laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.

Warnock spoke out in support of the Act recently, stressing that while hundreds of millions of dollars are going to expand broadband to the nearly 15 percent of Georgians who don’t have reliable access, “there needs to be an equal effort to ensure Georgians will be able to afford internet connection.”

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s broadband infrastructure investments have put the United States on the cusp of finally, finally beginning to close the digital divide,” said Warnock. “But broadband infrastructure is just half of the equation. Without dedicated efforts on digital equity and affordability, we still risk leaving millions of Americans unable to access the internet…We need an all hands on deck approach. Broadband is to the 21st century what electrification was to the 20th century. We’ve got to make sure that people aren’t left behind.”

Warnock has been focused on bringing federal investments in broadband access to Georgians across the state. In early December, Warnock announced that $250 million in American Rescue Plan funding would be invested in expanding and improving Georgians’ broadband access. Recently, announced that he had secured more than $570 million in federal funding to bolster Georgia’s broadband infrastructure.

Last year, Warnock hosted FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in Jackson County, GA where she met with parents, students, and local officials about their broadband needs and the challenges they face.