COLORADO SPRINGS — The Affordable Connections Program (ACP) launched in late 2021. Through this program, eligible individuals can obtain free internet access.
Approximately 250,000 Coloradans could lose this service.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, Congress has not approved the funding needed to sustain ACP beyond April.
“It would be a shame to see this system go,” Ben Clay said. “I hope Congress acts and preserves this system because it’s important.”
Kley is president of StratusIQ, an internet provider in Colorado Springs.
Kley said about 2% of residential customers receive low-cost or free services through ACP. These are primarily people living in subsidized or transitional housing for veterans and people emerging from homelessness.
“They need access to apply for jobs, find housing, and do things that we don’t usually think about,” Clay said.
Mount Carmel Veterans Services Center in Colorado Springs said about 20% of the veterans it serves use the Internet to make medical appointments.
“The ability to arm people with this [internet access] Providing equipment and giving them access to it can be life-changing,” said Bob McLaughlin, executive director of Mount Camel.
Once ACP is eliminated, Mount Carmel expects more veterans will visit its facilities to access free Wi-Fi.
“It’s going to change the way people spend their money,” McLaughlin said.
Participating ACP internet providers are currently notifying customers of potential billing changes.
“We are reaching out to our customers and trying to advise them about other federal programs, if they apply,” Clay said.
Mr Clay said people could also change to a cheaper internet service plan.
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