The last fully funded month is April 2024.
INDIANAPOLIS — Federal internet benefits that began during the COVID-19 pandemic are nearly depleted of funds.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps low-income households pay their broadband bills, will be fully supported through April. Partial discounts may be available to beneficiaries in May.
The ACP will end after May 2024 unless Congress provides additional funding.
Discounts are up to $30 per month for eligible households and $75 per month for households living on eligible tribal lands.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, more than 23 million households are taking advantage of this benefit. This equates to approximately 1 in 6 households.
Established in 2020 as the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund, the program was allocated $3.2 billion. It began as an emergency relief program because children needed services to attend school and adults needed to work or receive medical care.
And in 2021, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program. A $14.2 billion long-term program replaced his EBB program.
If you’re at risk of losing benefits, consider calling your local internet provider to get a competitive price.
Next, call the internet company, specifically the cancellation department.
Experts say these people have the authority to offer special prices and promotions.
Ask if anything can be done regarding the price. If not, offer a competing offer and ask them to match.
If your cell phone plan offers unlimited data and your home internet usage is low, consider using a cell phone hotspot. This turns your phone into his personal Wi-Fi device.
