The Affordable Connectivity Program provides 23 million low-income households with $30 per month to help them afford broadband service.
GALESBURG, Ill. — If the Affordable Connectivity program expires at the end of April, 23 million Americans may soon be unable to afford Internet access at home. ACP provides $30 per week to low-income families to help them afford broadband service. Unless Congress passes billions of dollars to continue funding the program by the end of the month, these families may not be able to afford internet access.
On Friday, April 4, Illinois 17th District Rep. Eric Sorenson, a Democrat, hosted a roundtable discussion at Carl Sandburg College. The congressman discussed solutions with internet providers and community leaders if the ACP is not extended.
Sorensen said this isn’t a red issue or a blue issue, it’s a problem in every district.
More families participate in ACP than in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Supporters say internet access is essential for students completing homework, people working from home and anyone who just wants to communicate with others.
“Everyone needs to be connected to the Internet today,” Sorensen said. “Clean.”
The congressman shared multiple stories from residents of the 17th District. One was from a woman in Galesburg. Sorensen said if ACP ends, the resident said she will no longer have contact with people outside her home.
The Federal Communications Commission, which oversees ACP, has issued guidance to broadband providers notifying recipients that they may lose internet service.
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