Millions of Americans are at risk of losing a vital subsidy if Congress does not act swiftly to renew it. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides subsidized internet access to millions of low-income families, is expected to end soon.
The ACP was introduced in December 2021 as a temporary initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program currently helps 23 million families reduce their monthly internet costs, making high-speed internet more affordable.
However, this crucial support will be lost if Congress fails to renew the program. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced earlier this year that the program would run out of funds by the end of April.
The White House has requested an additional $6 billion from Congress to extend the program until at least the end of the year, but no action has been taken so far.
The need for this subsidy remains significant. According to Consumer Reports, the average cost of internet service in the U.S. is approximately $75, making it unaffordable for many low-income households.
Around half of the ACP beneficiaries are military families, with a quarter being seniors. Other beneficiaries include households on tribal lands, low-income college students, and families with school-age children eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.
The program supports 4 million seniors and 10 million Americans over the age of 50. Additionally, it provides an extra subsidy to approximately 320,000 households on tribal lands, where internet costs are typically higher, according to White House data.
Overall, around 60 million people are expected to be affected once the internet subsidy program expires. The program offers one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
There is hope that the Biden administration, which has prioritized high-speed internet access as part of its Investing in America agenda, will find a way to revive the program.
About the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP provides eligible households with a $30 monthly discount on their internet bills (up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands). Some households also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligibility for the ACP is determined by income thresholds or participation in select government assistance programs. The income threshold is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Applicants can also qualify if any family members participate in government assistance programs such as Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Medicaid, Lifeline, SNAP, and Federal Public Housing Assistance. Additionally, applicants living on qualifying Tribal lands may qualify even if they don’t meet the income threshold.
Most major internet service providers (ISPs) participate in the ACP, including T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Charter, and Comcast.