ACA Connects Members: We are pleased to introduce this newsletter as a resource to help you navigate the changing dynamics of the pandemic and its impact on your business. It will feature a convenient, one-stop overview of breaking news and resources, along with an uplifting story of how members are rising above the challenges to serve their communities. We welcome your feedback on this new resource! Please send comments to  aca@acaconnects.org
April 9, 2020
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
#BroadbandStrong PSAs Available

With the generous help of Viamedia and the Frankfort Plant Board, ACA Connects is pleased to offer two PSAs for our members to air on their systems and use in social media posts. The 30-second videos illustrate how ACA Connects members are working day in and day out without interruption to ensure communities remain connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.



FCC Extends Truth-in-Billing Compliance Deadline

Due to COVID-19, the FCC’s Media Bureau extended to December 20, 2020, the effective date of truth-in-billing requirements for MVPDs and broadband providers that were enacted in December 2019 as part of the Television Viewer Protection Act (TVPA).



New Portal Resources

Soon after the pandemic hit America, ACA Connects created a COVID-19 Portal on our website to help members quickly access critical information including CARES Act/stimulus , government resources , member advisories , webinars and the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge . We continue to update the site as new content is available. Here is a list of the latest additions to the COVID-19 Portal:


Military Veterans Need Your Help

Veterans may be at increased risk of suicide or other serious mental health concerns due to social isolation associated with the COVID-19 response. The CARES Act equips the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with the authority to enter into short-term agreements with communications providers of all types for temporary, complimentary or subsidized broadband services, for the purposes of providing expanded mental health services to isolated veterans through telehealth or the VA Video Connect Program during the COVID-19 public health emergency. For full details on how your company can help, Read More .
UPCOMING EVENTS
COVID-19: Best Practices for Operators
April 09, 3 PM ET | Register Now
COVID-19 Industry Briefing: RUS Update
April 10, 2 PM ET | Register Now
Member Zoom Meeting
April 13, 2 PM ET | Register Now
April 15, 3 PM ET | Register Now
April 17, 3 PM ET | Register Now
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Sparklight Donates $300,000 for Food Relief 

To ensure vulnerable senior citizens and others in need receive meals amid the pandemic, Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands donated $300,000 to the Meals on Wheels America COVID-19 Response Fund and local food banks in the 21-state footprint the company serves. 

“Meals on Wheels and local food banks are fulfilling the critical need of feeding at-risk community members who might otherwise go hungry due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Julie Laulis, Sparklight President and CEO. “We are proud to support their mission through donations that will help provide immediate aid to individuals who have been hit hardest during this unprecedented crisis.”


To share an exceptional story about your company’s impact in the community during COVID-19 , please contact Ted Hearn .