LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A federal program that helps nearly a million Michigan households pay for internet has stopped accepting applications and funding will end next month. If people have access to free or discounted Wi-Fi now, they may soon lose that service.
The federal government is canceling its Affordable Connectivity program due to a lack of funding. Putting internet costs back into the monthly bills of nearly a million Michiganders enrolled in the program.
“ACP’s purpose is to help people who encounter affordability barriers to adoption, which means they must make daily decisions between paying for food and basic needs,” said Heather Gate, executive vice president of ACP. decisions so that they choose not to pay for broadband.” Digital Inclusion in a Connected Nation.
The program provides $30 per month to qualifying families (generally those who qualify for government assistance).
“Broadband is critical to life today, whether it’s communication, work or a chance for kids to do their homework,” Gates said.
One in seven households in Lansing-area congressional districts participates in the program, and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and other representatives have been advocating for more funding for months. “The ACP has become a lifeline for Americans and we cannot let it expire,” said a letter to Washington, D.C. “Failure to provide funding will not only leave millions of households without access to the Internet, it will also hinder our ability to work as a nation.” The country’s long-term competitiveness.”
Those who may be affected by the end of the scheme are encouraged to contact their local representative. As of now, there are no other discount internet plans. The Biden administration has requested funding to keep the program afloat through at least the rest of the year, but it’s unclear whether that will happen.
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