The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce Issues Statement in Support of Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement in response to the Biden Administration’s recent proposal to increase funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a vital contributor to improving economic opportunities for Puerto Rican communities around the country:

“The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC) extends its robust support to the Biden Administration's proposal for amplifying the funding allocated to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Recognizing the crucial role of digital connectivity in stimulating economic growth and nurturing community resilience, the NPRCC underscores the indispensable nature of the ACP. By offering subsidized internet services, the program has played a central role in narrowing the digital divide, enabling all businesses, including Puerto Rican-owned and operated businesses, as well as individuals and families to fully engage in the digital economy.

Recent data highlights the significant impact of the ACP on the country, with studies noting how the ACP has facilitated internet connectivity for hundreds of thousands of Puerto Rican households across the country, a critical lifeline in the digital era. This connectivity has overcome geographical barriers, allowing Puerto Ricans everywhere to pursue their educational, entrepreneurial, and professional endeavors without interruption. The subsequent enhancement in online business operations has notably invigorated local economies and expanded the scope of opportunities for our communities.

The NPRCC ardently believes that by fortifying the financial backbone of the ACP, an investment is made into a vessel that not only empowers the Puerto Rican business landscape but also enriches the socio-economic fabric of our society. We, therefore, urge Congress to heed this call for further support and promptly act to ensure the fiscal fortitude of the ACP, thereby securing an inclusive digital future for industrious Americans across the country. The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating policies that propel economic vibrancy and societal advancement in Puerto Rico.”