Affordable Internet Connectivity Program is coming to an end: What you need to know

A significant number of home Internet subscribers in Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as across the country, could see big increases in their rates this spring.

For many people, this increase could be nearly double what they have been paying in recent years. I’ll explain what’s going on.

History of affordable connectivity programs

Back in 2021, Congress passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that included funding for a program called the Affordable Connectivity Program. Of his $1 trillion, $14.2 billion was allocated to the ACP to help Americans access more affordable internet services.

The ACP program allows eligible households to receive a $30 credit for monthly internet service and provides a $75 monthly credit to eligible tribal land households.

This pandemic-era program was aimed at helping individuals and families access the internet more easily as people began to work and go to school via the internet.

The program also allowed eligible individuals to receive a one-time discount of up to $100 on the purchase of a laptop/desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.

Affordable Connections Program May End

There is no guarantee that this program will end, but it seems likely at this point.

At issue is the fact that the program is about to run out of $14.2 billion in funding appropriated by Congress. The Federal Communications Commission is preparing for a potential end to the program because Congress has not taken action to add additional funding.

Among these actions, the FCC ceased accepting new applications on February 8, 2024 and published a “termination” document providing information to those who have relied on the program.

When does the Affordable Connectivity Program end?

The FCC currently projects that the ACP will run out of funding in April 2024, effectively ending the program. This is an approximate date and is subject to change as program funding decreases.

This returns the price to the normal, undiscounted market rate for those receiving the credit.

Unless Congress adds additional funding, households receiving Internet service credits will no longer receive them.

What should people using affordable connectivity programs know?

According to the FCC’s ACP termination document, eligible households receiving the credits will continue to receive them until the program is defunded.

Households receiving credits will receive a notification from their internet provider about the end of the program and how it will affect their bills and services. This includes the final invoice that receives the discount once the discount is known.

If you’re looking to change or terminate your internet plan as a result of this change, the FCC says you can do so without penalty.

What can you do?

If you have received ACP credits and would like to continue doing so, your best bet is to contact your legislators and urge them to refund the program.