The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided discounted internet and phone services to millions of low-income Americans, is ending due to a lack of funding. Despite bipartisan support and efforts to secure more funding, bills have stalled in Congress. Some providers like Verizon and AT&T will continue to offer affordable plans, but eligibility may be more restrictive. The FCC advises customers to contact their service providers for alternative low-cost options.
The Federal Communications Commission has announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides monthly discounts on internet service to over 23 million low-income US households, will only have enough funds to provide partial benefits in May before shutting down altogether. This could result in low-income Americans having to pay significantly more for internet or potentially giving up the service entirely. The Biden administration has blamed congressional Republicans for the lack of funding extension, while bipartisan efforts are being made to approve $7 billion in new funding for the program. Internet service providers are encouraged to step in voluntarily to help keep low-income Americans connected.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has provided crucial support for over 23 million low-income households to afford broadband service, but it is at risk of running out of funds by the end of April. There is a bipartisan push to extend the program, but the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) needs to take urgent action to sustain and expand the Universal Service Fund (USF) to ensure permanent funding for the ACP's subsidy for low-income households. This is essential for addressing the digital divide and ensuring universal and affordable connectivity for all Americans, regardless of economic status or geographic location.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, providing a $30 monthly subsidy for internet service to low-income households, is set to expire at the end of April, potentially impacting 1.7 million Texas households. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to extend funding for the program through 2024, but it faces pushback from Republican lawmakers. The termination of the program could jeopardize future broadband investments, particularly in rural areas, where internet service providers are hesitant to invest without a guaranteed customer base. Some communities have found innovative ways to provide affordable internet, but larger providers like Comcast and smaller rural providers express concerns about the financial feasibility of low-cost plans without government support.
The Biden administration is blaming congressional Republicans for potential internet bill hikes and disruptions to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides monthly discounts on internet service to an estimated 59 million low-income people. Despite bipartisan support for legislation to extend the program, it faces a stalemate in Congress, with the House being the biggest obstacle. Without an extension, the program could collapse by early May, impacting vulnerable populations, including seniors and military households. The administration is urging Congress to act swiftly to avoid the program's disruption.
The $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program, aimed at making internet service more affordable for low-income households, is expected to run out of funding this spring, affecting over 23 million households. The program, part of the Biden administration’s initiative to connect every American to affordable, high-speed internet, provides discounts of up to $30 off monthly internet bills for eligible households. While there is bipartisan support to continue the subsidies, lawmakers have not passed an extension, and federal officials have already stopped accepting new applications and enrollments.
Millions of Americans, including military families, older adults, and rural residents, are at risk of losing home internet access as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) faces a funding crisis. Without Congressional action, over 23 million households could lose internet access or face significantly higher bills, impacting their ability to work, attend school, access healthcare, and connect to essential services. The ACP, which provides discounts on internet service for low-income households, is set to run out of funding by May, and despite bipartisan support, Congress has yet to approve the necessary $6 billion to renew the program, leaving millions of Americans facing financial distress and widening the digital divide.
President Biden's goal of affordable internet access for all Americans is at risk as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subsidy, providing $30 a month for qualifying families, is set to expire this spring. The program, crucial to the administration's plans to connect everyone to high-speed internet by 2030, has enabled families to avoid financial trade-offs and access vital services. A bipartisan group of lawmakers proposed a bill to sustain the ACP through 2024 with additional funding, but its future remains uncertain in a divided Congress. The program's expiration could result in families losing internet access or having to pay more, impacting infrastructure funding and the Biden administration's efforts to close the digital divide.
President Joe Biden is visiting North Carolina to highlight $82 million in new investments to connect 16,000 households and businesses to high-speed internet, as part of his reelection campaign's focus on winning the state in the 2024 election. The administration is committing a total of $3 billion to build out and fund internet connections in North Carolina, aiming to help poorer communities and businesses access the digital economy. Additionally, the administration is calling on Congress to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program, which has provided discounted internet service to 880,000 households in North Carolina and enabled 22 million people nationwide to save on their internet bills.
Over 20 million US households are now receiving discounted internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide. The program provides $30-a-month subsidies to eligible households, with higher subsidies available for those living on tribal lands. Despite its popularity, the ACP's future is uncertain as it is expected to run out of its initial $14 billion funding by 2024. The program has only reached about 40% of potentially eligible households, highlighting the ongoing need for affordable internet access.
