ACP Funding Over, but These Low-Income Internet Options Remain (2024)

While Congress made some last-ditch efforts in May to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program, recipients of the federal broadband benefit won't receive any discount going forward. Even if an extension is passed in the near future, there will be a gap period during which the ACP's 23 million low-income subscribers won't get any help on their internet bills at all.

Nearly half of ACP subscribers have been military families, according to a White House fact sheet. Older Americans, African Americans and Latinos have also relied on the ACP at higher rates.

"It's been the difference between choosing to have a roof over my head, whether to eat or whether to pay for the internet, which has things like virtual appointments with my psychiatrist," Kenneth Sigler, a small-business owner from Hernando, Mississippi, who uses the ACP, told CNET. "It basically helps me to keep from having to choose what bills I'm going to pay."

There is some hope that the program will be extended eventually -- President Joe Biden called on lawmakers to extend it in April, and several senators have continued to advocate for an extension -- but for now, ACP subscribers have to prepare for a world without the subsidy.

There’s no one resource that can replace the $14.2 billion ACP, but there are a variety of local and state subsidies, nonprofits and discounted plans from providers that can help ease the transition.

Locating local internet providers

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal subsidy that provides $9.25 per month to low-income households for home internet or cellphone plans. Its eligibility requirements are a little stricter than those of the ACP. Your income must be 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or $40,500 for a family of four.

Lifeline income requirements

Household size48 contiguous states, DC and territoriesAlaskaHawaii
1 $19,683$24,584$22,640
2 $26,622$33,264$30,618
3 $33,561$41,945$38,597
4 $40,500$50,625$46,575
5 $47,439$59,306$54,554
6 $54,378$67,986$62,532
7 $61,317$76,667$70,511
8 $68,256$85,347$78,489
For each additional person, add: $6,939$8,681$7,979

Show more (4 items)

You can also get Lifeline if you (or someone who lives with you) participates in any of the following programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income, or SSI
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance, or FPHA
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

If you live in California, Oregon or Texas, you must check with your internet provider or visit your state's website to apply for the program.

Read more: The FCC Votes to Restore Net Neutrality. Here's What It Could Mean for You

State and local resources

Some states and cities across the country offer their own local versions of the ACP to help low-income households pay for internet. California, for example, has a website that allows you to search affordable options in your ZIP code based on various eligibility criteria, and Oregon provides an enhanced Lifeline benefit of $19.25 monthly.

Cities like Chicago offer free internet to families in Chicago public schools and eligible city colleges through its Chicago Connected program. The best way for you to find these resources is by going to Google and searching for "[location] internet resources."

You can also check to see how your state is using the $2.75 billion allocated in the Digital Equity Act to help close the digital divide.

Low-income programs from internet providers

Many internet providers have their own discounted plans available for low-income households, including , Spectrum and Xfinity. Requirements vary, but they're usually similar to the ACP: one must meet certain income requirements or participate in a federal program like SNAP or the National School Lunch Program.

Internet provider discounts

ProgramMonthly priceMaximum speed
Access from AT&T $30100Mbps
Astound Internet First $1050Mbps
Cox Connect2Compete (for families) $10100Mbps
Cox ConnectAssist (for individuals) $30100Mbps
Mediacom Connect2Compete (for families) $1025Mbps
Optimum Advantage $1550Mbps
Spectrum Internet Assist $2550Mbps
Verizon Forward $20-$8150-2,000Mbps
WOW! Internet Select 50 (for families) $1050Mbps
Xfinity Internet Essentials $1050Mbps

Show more (5 items)

To determine which providers are available in your area, enter your address on the Federal Communication Commission's broadband map.

Nonprofit organizations

There are a number of nonprofits around the country with the goal of closing the digital divide. Some help with monthly internet costs, while others provide devices that connect you to the internet. These organizations all received nonprofit status from the IRS and were vetted by watchdogs like Charity Navigator and Guidestar.org:

  • Connect All: Part of the InterConnection nonprofit, Connect All provides refurbished computers to low-income users. Eligibility requirements are similar to those of the ACP: Participation in federal programs like SNAP or SSI will automatically qualify you for devices.
  • EveryoneOn: EveryoneOn is one of the most wide-ranging internet nonprofits out there. You can use its locator tool to find low-cost plans and computers in your area, enroll in digital skills courses and find local events that distribute devices.
  • Human-I-T: This nonprofit accepts donations from corporations, refurbishes the devices and sells them at a discount to veterans, low-income households, seniors and other groups that qualify. It also offers low-cost internet through its mobile hotspot devices for less than $30 per month.
  • Internet for All Now: This is an initiative of the nonprofit California Emerging Technology Fund that helps Californians find low-cost plans in their area. People in California can call and speak with a trained expert, but the website has resources that anyone in the country can use.
  • National Digital Inclusion Alliance: The NDIA is a well-known hub for research and policy aiming to close the digital divide, and while it doesn't offer low-cost internet itself, it's a helpful resource for navigating what's out there. You can also use this map of NDIA affiliates providing broadband adoption services to see what's available in your area.

Explore other internet plans in your area

If your bill's going up dramatically with the end of the ACP, another option is to search for other internet providers in your area. Most ISPs offer plans under $50 monthly, and you can often find additional discounts for things like bundling with a cellphone plan or signing an annual contract.

Purchasing your own equipment can also save you some extra money each month. It usually costs around $15 to rent a modem and router from your internet provider, while you can buy your own for as little as $100, especially if you go with refurbished equipment. That said, you'll need to ensure your modem is compatible with your provider before you purchase.

More broadband news on CNET

  • $90 Billion vs. the Digital Divide: Is It Enough to Fix Internet Access in the US?
  • Internet Aid Cut: How the Loss of FCC's ACP May Worsen the Mental Health Crisis
  • Broadband 'Nutrition Labels' Could Make It Easier to Shop for Internet Service
ACP Funding Over, but These Low-Income Internet Options Remain (2024)

FAQs

Why is the Affordable Connectivity Program ending? ›

The $14.2 billion Congress approved “was initially projected to last much longer than it did, but because it was so successful and so good at delivering what it promised, which was no-cost or low-cost broadband to those who couldn't afford it, it just quickly ran out of funding,” she said.

Did Congress pass the ACP program? ›

The ACP was a $14.2 billion program that launched in December 2021, but after two-and-a-half years of offering discounts on internet service and connected devices to low-income consumers, the funding Congress initially made available for the ACP has since run out.

Is ACP being discontinued? ›

Q1. What is the ACP ending date? It's clear that the ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments as of February 7, 2024, and the last fully funded month of the program is April 2024.

Can I use ACP for my phone and internet at the same time? ›

Can I use the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for my internet and phone bill? You can only use ACP benefits for one service. ACP benefits can be applied to both internet and phone, but must be applied to one service at a time, not both.

What program is replacing ACP? ›

Lifeline. Lifeline is a federal subsidy that provides $9.25 per month to low-income households for home internet or cellphone plans. Its eligibility requirements are a little stricter than those of the ACP. Your income must be 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or $40,500 for a family of four.

Will ACP end in 2024? ›

ACP ended on May 31, 2024. Congress could pass legislation to renew the program, but we will have a gap beginning June 1, 2024 for ACP-eligible households.

What is the latest update on ACP funding? ›

The ACP Has Ended for Now

Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program has ended for now. Effective June 1, 2024, households will no longer receive an ACP discount.

What to do now that ACP is ending? ›

ACP households can decide to no longer continue their current internet service after the ACP ends ("opt-out"). They do so by contacting their internet company and telling them that they do not wish to receive internet service from the company after the end of ACP.

Is Lifeline ACP ending? ›

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The federal ACP no longer accepts applications. Effective June 1, 2024, households will no longer receive ACP discount for now. If you need more information on the ACP Wind-Down, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp-consumer-outreach-toolkit.

How long is ACP expected to last? ›

The ACP is expected to run out of funds around April 2024.

If you enrolled before the February 7 deadline, you'll keep getting your ACP benefits until the funds are exhausted. When the ACP money runs out, the discounts you've been getting on your internet bill will stop.

Is funding for ACP left? ›

Currently 23 million U.S. households receive ACP support. The last full funded month for ACP is April 2024. The program stopped accepting applications February 7, 2024.

What is the best ACP provider? ›

Best ACP Providers in 2024
Top 10 ACP Internet Providers
ACP PlansPrice After ACP CreditInternet Type
HughesNet ACPStarting from $19.99/moSatellite
Cox ACPStarting from $19.99/moCable & Fiber
Optimum ACPStarting from $10.00/moCable & Fiber
7 more rows
Apr 12, 2024

What is the difference between ACP and Lifeline? ›

ACP, or Access from AT&T, is specifically available for low-income households who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). On the other hand, Lifeline offers support to individuals who meet income-based requirements or participate in certain government assistance programs.

Does ACP give you a laptop? ›

Get Government Grants and Help

Human-I-T, in partnership with ACP, offers free laptops and low-cost internet to eligible families. This article outlines the steps to apply for these benefits, detailing eligibility criteria, required documentation, and the benefits provided.

Can I use an Affordable Connectivity Program twice? ›

The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Multiple households may be eligible at a single address. For more information on which households are eligible, visit the ACP's households page.

What to do after ACP ends? ›

After the ACP ends:

ACP households will continue to receive internet service after the ACP ends if they: Previously agreed to continue internet service from their internet company. Paid for internet service from their internet company BEFORE they started receiving the ACP discount.

How long will the Affordable Connectivity Program last with Verizon? ›

Can I transfer my Affordable Connectivity Program benefit to Verizon? Congress did not approve additional funding, therefore the last month of ACP for Fios, 5G Home, LTE Home, and Mobile plans was April 2024. You may qualify for Verizon Forward - a reduced-cost internet to eligible new or existing customers.

How long will an Affordable Connectivity Program last on Spectrum? ›

What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program? The last fully-funded month of the Affordable Connectivity Program was April 2024. Partial credits were extended through the month of May. ACP internet credits will no longer appear on your bill.

Who funds Affordable Connectivity Program? ›

In 2021, the Biden Administration and Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that appropriated $14.2 billion to establish the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has now helped over 23 million households sign up for discounted broadband internet.

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