Nearly 25% of households receiving federal subsidies to purchase broadband internet service will lose their connection if Congress does not restore funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), according to a new report. It is indicated that it will be abandoned.
The report, released Tuesday, surveyed more than 1,700 users of ACP, a program established in 2021. Among them, 58% of respondents said it would be “at least somewhat difficult” to subscribe to a broadband plan, even with ACP benefits. Approximately $30 to $75 per month. Respondents were split almost evenly by location, with 34% living in rural areas, 39% in urban areas, and 27% in suburban areas.
The ACP funds internet access for about 23 million households nationwide (roughly 1 in 6 households) and is set to expire in April. The program has generally gained support across political lines and is seen as an important step forward in digital equity.
But this year’s political turmoil and regularly recurring debates over government funding have left both of them dangerously close to a federal government shutdown, and their futures uncertain.
“We certainly think it is appropriate for members of Congress to recognize the impact the ACP has had and consider the experiences of affected low-income families when deciding whether to extend the program. ” Policy Director Justin King said. Propel is a maker of technology that helps low-income people manage their personal finances and is the author of this report.
Uncertainty over the program’s future has advocates urging leaders to restore its funding, which is administered by the Federal Communications Commission. At a press conference in front of the U.S. Capitol on February 13, James Gore, vice president of the National Association of Counties, emphasized the critical role of broadband.
“As we know, internet connectivity is absolutely fundamental to the future of our society. Affordable access helps ensure that families and individuals are not left behind in this increasingly connected world.” said Gore, the Sonoma County, California, supervisor.
According to the report, survey respondents admitted to using the internet for essential services and operations, with 53% reporting using the internet to access government services and 48% using online banking. 40% need broadband for educational purposes. According to it, her participation in ACP in 2023 increased by nearly 30% compared to the previous year.
“We can’t say with certainty what caused that spike,” King said. “We know that it took time to increase awareness of the program, and we see a pretty clear relationship between increased awareness and increased enrollment.”
States announce plans to expand broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, part of the Infrastructure Act signed two years ago, with approximately $42.45 billion available for broadband infrastructure expansion. Now that it is possible, there is a debate about ACP.
ACP clearly demonstrates the tremendous demand for affordable internet services across the United States, regardless of whether people live in urban or rural areas, King said. “People register with ACP to support their economic, educational, medical and social needs. It is clear that significant investment is needed.”
