ACP Program
The End of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative designed to help low-income Americans afford broadband internet, has officially come to an end. This program, which was launched to provide financial assistance for internet services, is no longer receiving funding from the federal government. Here’s what that means for people who were benefiting from the ACP:
Why Did the ACP End?
The ACP was part of a larger response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at helping people stay connected to work, school, and healthcare services when everything went online. The program provided subsidies for internet bills, helping millions of low-income households pay for broadband services.
However, the funding for the ACP was temporary. Now that the pandemic is over, the government has stopped providing additional funds for the program, meaning it’s no longer available to those who were relying on it.
What Happens Now?
With the ACP officially ending, almost 23 million Americans who were relying on it will no longer have those subsidies. Many of these households now need to look for alternative plans. For many, this means switching to a prepaid plan or lower-cost options to avoid the sudden spike in internet service fees.
Now, those who were using the ACP to help with their monthly internet bills must pay the full cost of their service. This can be a financial burden for many households, particularly for individuals already struggling to make ends meet.
What Should You Do If You Were on ACP?
If you were one of the millions benefiting from the ACP, here’s what you should do:
In Conclusion
The Affordable Connectivity Program has ended, and it’s a tough change for millions of families who now have to pay for internet access out of pocket. The government is no longer funding the program, and many customers are now transitioning to prepaid plans or lower-cost alternatives. While the end of the ACP is unfortunate for those who depended on it, it’s important to explore new options to maintain internet access.
