The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal benefit that helps qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and devices. Since its creation in January 2022, the ACP has grown to help over 22 million U.S. households (roughly one in six Americans) access the internet. More than 36,000 households in Seattle have signed up for this program.
However, the ACP is running out of money. This means the program will close unless Congress approves new funding. Congress originally appropriated $14.2 billion for the ACP, but over time, that amount has been spent down to the point where the ACP is on course to run out of funding this Spring.
Congress may still vote for additional funds to the program. But in the meantime, many people are taking action to urge the continuance of the ACP. Since that is not certain, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must proceed as if the program will end.
What does that mean to me if I am in the program or need to sign up?
ACP will stop accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. To receive the ACP benefit, consumers must be approved and enrolled with a service provider by 8:59 p.m. PT/11:59 p.m. ET on February 7.
What will happen to my internet account?
You will continue to receive ACP benefits until the ACP funds run out as long as you are enrolled in ACP and using the benefit with an internet company before the February 7t deadline. Your household remains enrolled and eligible for the benefit. When ACP funds run out, households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts. You will have options for continuing your service and switching plans. All questions will need to be directed to your internet provider.
Important Dates
February 7, 2024, End of Enrollment: The last day the ACP will accept new applications and enrollments.
Starting late January 2024, notices from internet providers should begin to arrive to ACP participants. If you currently receive a monthly ACP benefit, you will receive notices from your internet companies with information about the end of the ACP benefit. This information will include the timing of the end of the program and the impact of the loss of the benefit on your household’s bill and service.
April 2024 Benefits wind down: The FCC anticipates ACP funding will run out at the end of April 2024, with only a partial benefit available in May if Congress does not provide additional funding. Households enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive their benefit on their internet service through April 2024. This date may change.
May 2024 End of benefits: ACP discounts are reduced or stopped entirely. Your household bills will increase.
Tips for internet customers
For help navigating the ACP wind-down process, ACP consumers are encouraged to do the following:
- Check communications from your Internet Service Provider consistently for more information and updates regarding the ACP benefit and wind-down information. ISPs are required to send you notifications in your language of choice (as selected during enrollment).
- Contact your internet company for questions about how the end of the ACP will affect their monthly bill and to ask about available options. Look for a customer service contact on your bill.
- Contact the USAC ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 for updates on application status and questions about the ACP wind-down.
- Visit fcc.gov/acp and affordableconnectivity.gov for the latest information on program updates and outreach materials, including an ACP Wind-Down Fact Sheet with translations in Arabic, Chinese-Traditional, Chinese-Simplified, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.
- Visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov to file a formal complaint regarding service providers not following FCC wind-down procedures.
- Consider if and how you will stay connected without the ACP. Will you still be able to afford your current service? Many ISPs have discounted options for $9.95/month + tax that you can choose. Explore Low Cost Internet Programs or the Lifeline Program. If you are already also on Lifeline, the end of your ACP benefit will not impact your Lifeline benefits.
- Remember that if you are enrolled in ACP you can cancel at any time and at no penalty.
Take action to tell Congress to continue the Affordable Connectivity Program You can get involved. Visit DontDisconnectUS.org to learn more about ACP funding and to call or email your elected officials. Congress is actively considering relevant legislation to extend funding. The “Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024” is a bipartisan effort in the House and Senate to continue funding. Even at the last minute, it’s possible that funding could be renewed, though this may be done with changes.