Due to a lack of funding, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will endafter April 2024.
Low-income households that utilize the program will no longer receive a $30 discount on home internet service.
Subsidized internet access was a key component of the U.S. COVID-19 response.
Hannah Stryker / How-To Geek
A 2023 study shows that14% of U.S. householdsare enrolled in the ACP.
That’s about 18.5 million households in total.
Most service providers have a $40 or $45 monthly plan that is dedicated to ACP service.
However, $40 is relatively cheap when compared to the average home internet price$75 a month.
Service providers have until March 19th to notify customers of the ACP shutdown.
Some ISPs may continue offering cheap service, while others may liquidate their subsidized plans.
It’s a scramble.
The ACP received $6 billion in 2023, but it’s completely out of money today.
Subsidies from the Affordable Connectivity Program end on May 1st.
