The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a pandemic-era internet subsidy, is officially ending due to a lack of congressional funding. This program has provided affordable internet service to underserved communities, including rural areas, and has helped over 50,000 Delaware families save on internet bills. As the expiration of ACP funding approached, major internet providers such as T-Mobile, Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, and Charter announced new special deals for former ACP recipient households, offering lower prices or new services at reduced costs through the end of 2024. Astound Broadband has also launched a new affordable internet program, Internet First, starting at $9.95/month for eligible customers. Despite these efforts, the end of ACP funding will result in increased costs for millions of Americans, affecting access to telehealth, online learning, and job applications. The FCC will begin pausing new enrollments in the program, and there is a call for Congress to act to extend ACP funding and close the digital divide. Republicans have been criticized for failing to renew the ACP, and the White House is offering monthly internet plans for $30 or less to low-income households through 2024.
The nation's largest broadband affordability program is coming to an end due to a lack of congressional funding. https://t.co/pJ5mV12Oya
While the Speaker wonβt let us vote on the ACP, the @WhiteHouse is offering monthly internet plans for $30 or less to low-income households through 2024. Thankful for a short-term solution, but letβs pass a long-term one. https://t.co/DduKu9RorK
FCC: It's Game Over for Affordable Broadband Connectivity Program https://t.co/I3lnL9Ep7L
The Affordable Connectivity Program has helped over 50,000 Delaware families save on internet bills. But starting tomorrow, the FCC will begin pausing new enrollments in the program. Congress must act to extend ACP funding and close the digital divide. https://t.co/NDo6neB4vS
All Pell Grant recipients were eligible for affordable internet service under the ACP program, which expires at the end of the day. This avoidable tragedy will exacerbate student basic needs insecurity in #highered. https://t.co/vD1e8DCpRP
A pandemic-era internet subsidy is officially ending https://t.co/3bTzNZNx46
NEWS: Republicans are driving up the cost of high-speed-internet for millions starting TOMORROW by failing to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program. Americans will now pay more to access telehealth appointments, online learning, and job applications. Unbelievable.
Astound Broadband Launches New Affordable Internet Program Internet First, Starting at $9.95/month for Eligible Customers https://t.co/rROFlPC54m https://t.co/QvSNrLYkBD
Internet providers agree to continue discounted plans through end of 2024 as federal subsidies end. https://t.co/I2iDhSuoUq
As the expiration of ACP funding approached, T-Mobile, Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, and Charter have all announced new special deals for former ACP recipient households. These offers either extend the benefit through lower prices or provide new services at reduced costs. https://t.co/dWF4yc4dnf
"A sizeable portion of this ISPβs service area covers rural or underserved communities; places where residents may have lost access to emergency services, farming concerns may have lost critical [info]... and health care providers cut off from telehealth or patientsβ records." https://t.co/fNjYWesubp