Internet bills for more than 20 million low-income Americans are set to rise in the coming weeks as the federal subsidy program ends — and many families could lose broadband access entirely if they can’t afford a plan without the rebate .
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says it is running out of money for its Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, a federal internet subsidy created by a $14 billion investment from the bipartisan infrastructure deal in 2021. The law has also provided $65 billion to build broadband infrastructure in rural communities across the country.
The ACP offers rebates of $30 a month (or $75 for homes on some tribal lands) to low-income families. Following the program’s announcement and White House negotiations, several Internet service providers created new plans that cost $30 a month, essentially making broadband free for dozens of participants.
In early February, the program stopped accepting new applicants due to dwindling funding, and the FCC says the last month enrollees will receive full benefits will be April. Some families may get a partial discount in May.
If you are enrolled in the ACP, your Internet Service Provider is required to contact you multiple times with clear explanations of how your bill and Internet plan will be affected. The FCC says providers should have already sent two notices: one in January and one last week.
However, the non-profit internet advocacy organization Everyone On recommends “keeping track of your monthly statements to ensure your provider doesn’t increase your rate before the ACP expires at the end of April 2024.”
Could the accessible connectivity program be extended?
It is possible that the ACP could continue if Congress appropriated additional funding. If this were the case, the questions would also be reopened.
The program is popular with both Democrats and Republicans. In January, a bill to provide the ACP with an additional $7 billion was introduced in both houses of Congress, with broad bipartisan support. However, it has not come to a vote or received much attention since then.
As the deadline approaches, many advocates and lawmakers are sounding the alarm that millions of Americans risk losing internet access entirely if Congress doesn’t act soon.
“This potential funding gap will jeopardize millions of Americans’ affordable access to reliable, high-speed Internet,” more than two dozen U.S. senators wrote in a recent letter to congressional leaders.
What to do if ACP ends
Here are your options for staying connected even if ACP ends.
Stay in touch with your ISP
As your ACP runs out, you should be on the lookout for communications from your Internet Service Provider. They should keep you informed about your discounts for the coming months and your options for internet access after the formal conclusion of the ACP.
Some providers have other low-cost internet plans that they may be able to switch you to.
Know your rights
While the program may soon end, internet providers are required to follow a number of rules and regulations to make the transition as smooth as possible.
- No cancellation fees: The FCC says providers are not allowed to charge ACP enrollees any cancellation fees if they want to end their Internet plan before the contractual end date, even after the ACP expires. Likewise, during the settlement process, you cannot be charged a fee for switching plans to another provider or for a new plan with the same company.
- They cannot immediately interrupt your Internet connection: Internet providers are not allowed to terminate your Internet connection, or threaten to do so, if you cannot immediately make your first bill payment once the program ends. They cannot cut off your Internet access until 90 days have passed from the bill due date.
- Your supplier must let you know how the end of ACP will affect your bill: As mentioned above, Internet providers are required by law to send you at least three notices about the end of ACP. They must clearly state the date of the last invoice that includes the full ACP discount and let you know if you will receive a partial discount in May.
- File a complaint with the FCC: If your provider does not respect your rights under the ACP, the FCC has a dedicated complaint procedure to help you. If it’s a billing or service issue, the FCC forwards your complaint directly to your provider and they have 30 days to respond.
Consider alternative programs
Familiarize yourself with options to stay connected before ACP runs out of money.
- Federal Lifeline Internet Benefits: The ACP program is modeled after a long-standing Internet subsidy called Lifeline Support. This program provides discounts on internet and phone plans of $9.25 per month, or $34.25 for homes on tribal lands. To qualify, your income cannot exceed 135% of the federal poverty line (which is currently $19,683 for singles in most states). Alternatively, you may qualify if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or federal public housing subsidies.
- Other affordable Internet plans: Several multistate Internet providers operate low-cost programs. The nonprofit Everyone On has a helpful database that shows you your low-cost options based on your zip code. For example, Xfinity (aka Comcast) has an Internet Essentials plan in several states for $9.95 a month if you receive many of the federal benefits that qualify you for ACP or Lifeline. AT&T has a similar program for $30 a month.
- Commonly discounted plans: Several major companies, such as Verizon, AT&T, and Spectrum, offer discounts to military, nurses, teachers, first responders, students, and other specific groups.
If these discounts or benefits don’t apply to you and you’re having trouble paying your bill after the ACP expires, you may have luck negotiating with your internet provider for a cheaper price.
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