"Expiration of Federal Internet Subsidy Program"
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.