Affordable Connectivity Fund is Running Out
Discount Internet Services Expected to End in April or May
The FCC has begun to wind down the Affordable Connectivity Program, which allows eligible households to receive a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband service, and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
As of January, 416,630 Wisconsin households were enrolled in ACP. That’s about 1 in 6 households in Wisconsin.
The $14 million in ACP funds are expected to run out, likely in April or May, unless Congress appropriates additional funding.
Status of Continued ACP Funding
Last week DPI, along with 400 other organizations nationally, endorsed the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act (HR 6929/S 3565), which was introduced in both the House and Senate. This bill would provide $7 billion to keep the ACP funded through the end of 2024. This bill has not yet made it to the floor for a vote.
A second pathway for additional funding is as part of a larger appropriations bill that might not be voted on by Congress until as late as March 8. Thus it could be some time before we know whether the program will be extended past April.
What ACP Households Can Expect
Because program funds are projected to run out soon, unless there is new funding, the FCC is beginning to take steps to wind down the program. Last week, the FCC released order (DA 24-23) to mandate the initial steps of the wind-down process. The FCC projects that households already enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive the benefit on their internet service through April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change.
No new ACP enrollments will be accepted after February 7, 2024.
Before January 25, 2024, households that are currently receiving the ACP benefit will receive the first of three notices from their internet company providing information about the end of the ACP, including when the program is projected to end and how their broadband bill will be affected. Providers may include information on any low-cost plans in their notice to enrolled households.
ACP households will also receive notices from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the administrator of the ACP.
Additional Resources:
ACP Wind-Down Fact Sheet
ACP Wind-Down Frequently Asked Questions
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