More than 23 million U.S. households may soon have to pay more for the internet as funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program comes to an end.
Launched in late 2021, the program provides low-income Americans with subsidized home internet service. The program provides low-income households with discounts of up to $30 per month on Internet service. Families living on eligible tribal lands can receive subsidies of up to $75.
Subsidies are available to households at 200% of the federal poverty level or those receiving SNAP or Medicaid benefits.
As part of the phase-out, the program stopped accepting new applicants on February 7. The FCC said April 2024 is the last month for the program to be fully funded. Unless Congress renews funding, the program will run out of money in May.
The Federal Communications Commission has urged Congress to approve new funding for the program, but so far that has not come to fruition.
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“Many of these families have contacted the commission to express their disappointment and frustration that they can no longer enroll in the program. Others have contacted the agency to express concerns about the program’s imminent end, noting the program’s impact on seniors, families with school children and members of the military The impact on families who could lose internet service without ACP benefits,” said FCC Chairman Jessica Rosenworcel. A letter to Congress. “They are worried that without ACP’s support, they will lose employment, education, health care and other opportunities.”
In January, a bipartisan group of senators, including two Democrats and two Republicans, drafted legislation to provide an additional $7 billion in funding for the program.
“This Congress, with bipartisan support, we’ve done a lot, especially with the impact of COVID-19, to recognize that being online and having access to the internet is really critical to the well-being of all our families,” Vermont said state Democrat Peter Welch. “Without the Internet, people can’t go to school; without the Internet, they can’t make a doctor’s appointment,” said Senator Welch. “We’ve got the Internet, but if you can’t afford it, it’s not good to keep going.” “
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