The last month to be fully funded is April 2024.
INDIANAPOLIS — Federal internet benefits that began during the COVID-19 outbreak are almost out of money.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, designed to help low-income households pay for broadband, is fully funded through April. In May, beneficiaries can see partial discounts.
Unless Congress provides additional funding, the ACP will end after May 2024.
The discount is up to $30 per month for qualifying households and up to $75 per month for households with qualifying tribal lands.
The FCC says more than 23 million households use the benefit. That’s about one in six households.
The program was established in 2020 as the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund, with $3.2 billion allocated. It began as an emergency relief program because children needed the service to go to school and adults needed to work or receive health care.
Then in 2021, Congress enacted the Affordable Connectivity Plan. This $14.2 billion long-term plan replaces the EBB plan.
If you are at risk of losing this benefit, consider calling an internet provider in your area to get competitive pricing.
Then, call your internet company – specifically, the cancellation department.
Experts say these individuals have the ability to offer special pricing and promotions.
Ask them if they can do anything about your price. If not, make any competing offers and ask them to match.
If your cell phone plan offers unlimited data and your home internet usage is light, consider using your phone’s hotspot. This turns your phone into a personal Wi-Fi device.