Nearly three million Californians, along with countless others across the nation, are on the brink of losing their home internet access as a critical federal subsidy is set to expire. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a lifeline that has subsidized the cost of internet for low-income families during the post-pandemic era, faces its termination without further action from Congress.
The Impact of Losing ACP
Four years ago, Claudia Aleman’s family in South Gate, California, like many others, relied solely on their cell phones for internet access. This arrangement made essential activities like completing homework, attending online doctor visits, and taking English classes nearly impossible. Then, the introduction of the ACP changed their lives by subsidizing $30 of their $80 monthly internet bill, opening up new opportunities for education, health management, and communication.
However, two months ago, Aleman received a letter from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stating that the program would end in May unless additional funding was secured. This news brings a harsh reality back into focus for Aleman and millions like her who are already struggling with high living costs. “My husband is the only one who works, and everything is so expensive right now,” Aleman explained. “Sometimes we don’t have $30 to spare.”
The Broad Impact of ACP
Since its inception in 2021, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with $14.2 billion, ACP has provided crucial support by subsidizing internet costs—$30 monthly for low-income households and $75 for those on tribal lands. With the program’s benefits set to reduce and eventually end, nearly 23 million Americans, or one in six U.S. households, face losing this essential service.
The termination of ACP is not just a financial issue but a significant societal concern. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted in a letter to Congress the widespread impact this would have, particularly on vulnerable groups like senior citizens, veterans, schoolchildren, and rural and tribal communities. “Households across the country are now facing hard choices about what expenses they have to cut, including food and gas, to maintain their broadband access,” she wrote.
Political and Legislative Challenges
Despite the clear benefits, the program’s extension faces hurdles. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024, which proposes an additional $7 billion to continue the subsidy, has garnered bipartisan support, including 22 Republicans. Yet, it faces opposition in the GOP-led House, with some arguing it subsidizes households that could otherwise afford the internet, alongside concerns about program mismanagement.
Critics like Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) have pointed to past issues of waste and fraud within the program’s administration as reasons for their skepticism. Meanwhile, Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), a proponent of the extension, warned that failing to renew the program would “undo the progress we’ve made in closing the digital divide.”
Local Efforts and the Path Forward
In response to the potential end of the federal program, California has dedicated $70 million in federal funding toward affordable internet service, devices, and training. Yet, as Carbajal pointed out, while state initiatives are helpful, they are not a comprehensive solution to a nationwide issue.
As the deadline approaches, the situation remains fluid, with last-minute congressional actions still a possibility. In the meantime, families like the Alemans are preparing for the worst, exploring all available options to maintain their internet access, which has become as essential as any utility.
For countless families, the potential loss of ACP funding means more than just an inconvenience; it signifies a step back in a society where digital connectivity is increasingly synonymous with opportunity. Without it, participating fully in modern life—from education to healthcare—becomes significantly more challenging. As May approaches, the hope is that a resolution can be found to prevent millions from being disconnected from the digital world they’ve come to rely on.
