INDIANAPOLIS — The federal internet benefit that began during the COVID-19 outbreak is almost out of money.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps low-income families pay for broadband, is fully-funded through April. In May, beneficiaries could see a partial discount.
The ACP will end after May 2024 unless Congress provides additional funding.
The discount is up to $30 per month for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal land.
The Federal Communication Commission says more than 23 million households use this benefit. That is about one in six households.
Established as the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund in 2020, the program was allocated $3.2 billion. It started as an emergency relief program because kids needed the service to attend school, and adults needed to work or receive health care.
Then in 2021, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program. The long-term, $14.2 billion program replaced the EBB Program.
If you are at risk of losing the benefit, consider calling internet providers in your area to get competing prices.
Then, call your internet company – specifically, the cancellation department.
Experts say these are the people with the power to provide special pricing and promotions.
Ask them if they can do anything about your price. If not, provide any competing offers and ask them to match.
If your cellphone plan offers unlimited data and your home internet usage is light, consider using your cellphone's hotspot. That turns your phone into a personal Wi-Fi device.