WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a crucial federal initiative aimed at providing internet subsidies to low-income households, officially ended on June 1, 2024, due to a lack of additional funding. This cessation has left millions of Americans facing increased internet bills and potential service disruptions.
The ACP, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), offered eligible households discounts on internet service and connected devices. Specifically, the program provided up to a $30 per month discount on internet service, up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands, and a one-time discount of up to $100 for laptops, tablets, or desktop computers. However, as of June 1, 2024, these benefits are no longer available to the 23 million households that relied on the program.
Initially, the ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) and received $14.2 billion in funding from Congress. Despite the critical role the program played in connecting low-income households to essential internet services, additional appropriations were not secured, leading to its termination.
Statistics from the White House indicate that 1,157,054 Ohio households participated in the ACP, saving a total of around $34.3 million each month on their internet bills. Nationwide, the ACP supported one in six families, highlighting the widespread dependence on this subsidy.
The end of the ACP is particularly impactful in regions like Appalachian Ohio, where access to high-speed broadband internet remains limited. This issue has been a focal point during the 2024 election cycle, with politicians and candidates promising greater funding and access to high-speed internet.
In today’s technology-driven world, internet access is essential for various aspects of life, including education. Schools require high-speed internet to facilitate online learning and prepare students for the future. Without the ACP, many low-income families will struggle to afford this critical service.
A survey conducted by the FCC revealed that 77% of ACP households stated losing the benefit would disrupt their internet service, forcing them to either change their plans or discontinue their service altogether. This loss of connectivity could have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from children’s education to adults’ ability to work from home or access telehealth services.
As the ACP’s funding dwindles, there is an urgent call for Congress to act. Without renewed support, millions of Americans will face significant challenges in maintaining their internet access, exacerbating the digital divide in an increasingly connected world.
For now, the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program remains uncertain, leaving many households to navigate the digital landscape without the financial assistance they once depended on.