While an ACP extension is seeing some glimmers of hope in Congress, these low-cost plans are available right now.
At the end of May, more than 23 million homes in the US saw their internet bills increase by $30 to $75 per month when the Affordable Connectivity Program officially ran out of money. The pandemic-era program was available to anyone who made less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or $62,400 for a family of four.
Nearly half of ACP subscribers were military families, according to a White House fact sheet. Older Americans, African Americans and Latinos have also relied on the ACP at higher rates. “We are monitoring complaints regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program, and I should add that we’ve seen a 40% increase from consumers on them because they’re upset that this program’s come to an end,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at a House subcommittee hearing on July 9. She added that the FCC is prepared to relaunch the program quickly if Congress passes legislation to extend funding.