Government initiatives to help low-income households are a huge benefit to those in need. One popular benefit that has helped millions of households in the US is the Affordable Connectivity Program.
While it received generous funding in 2021, the program is coming to an end, prompting users to move on to other benefits and learn when they can expect their last discount.
But did the ACP program end already? If not, how long will the ACP program last? Read on to discover everything you need to know about when it’ll end, what the wind-down process will look like, and how it’ll affect you.
What Is The Affordable Connectivity Plan?
The Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP) is a government program geared toward helping lower-income households stay connected through the Internet. The bill is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which aims to develop infrastructure and improve the job market.
Low-income families that qualify for the grant receive a $30 discount on Internet service per month. The benefit is increased to $75 for households on tribal lands.
The ACP also offers a $100 stipend toward purchasing a laptop, tablet, or desktop device – provided the qualifier contributes $10 – $50 to the final price.
The ACP, led by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was awarded $14.2 billion to achieve its goals and has been using that grant since the program’s implementation in late 2021.
A Short History Of The Affordable Connectivity Program
Let’s take a look at the ACP timeline and how the program came to be.
- In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic made waves. The economic impact was devastating for the country, but it especially impacted lower-income households. With only essential workers allowed to work and many businesses closing due to financial strain, millions of households lost significant income.
- Around March 2020, most households were confined to their homes, forcing people to work from home and children to study from home. This was an issue for families who didn’t have Internet connectivity or devices like laptops, etc. With the reduced income, there was also no disposable income to allocate for connectivity.
- In late 2020, the government created the first iteration of the ACP, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). It was granted $3.2 billion and rolled out emergency broadband funding, aimed to provide eligible households with an internet connection funded through assistance programs in partnership with participating internet service providers.
- In November 2021, the EBB program ran its course. But there was still a desperate need for Internet access. This led the federal government to establish the ACP program with a grant of $14.2 billion. The federal program helped ACP-enrolled households reduce their monthly internet bill and gain access to a range of broadband providers.
- The ACP program took full effect in 2022 and immediately saw a huge influx of applications. Today, the program has helped 23 million US households stay connected amid financial struggles.
But how long will the Affordable Connectivity Program last for those currently enrolled? Keep scrolling to get important dates and information about your coverage.
When Does The Affordable Connectivity Program End?
Unfortunately, while the program has been an enormous success, it hasn’t received more funding from the US government. The program’s funds are reaching its end and so is the program. There is no indication that the government will allocate more funds to continue the program.
So, when does the ACP program end? The Affordability Connectivity Program is set to discontinue in April of 2024. Users who are already enrolled in the program will continue to receive their discounts until April.
While the April date is only an estimate, there has been no information from the FCC about an extension or new funds.
Unfortunately, even though the program only closes in April, enrollments have already closed for the program.
The last enrollment period ended on February 8th. Applicants who enrolled before this date still qualify, but those who did not enroll by 11:59 pm ET on February 7th don’t qualify to continue receiving benefits through the Affordable Connectivity Program end date.
Affordable Connectivity Program Wind-Down Process
How long is the Affordable Connectivity Program going to take to fully stop its services? Don’t worry, the Affordable Connectivity Program won’t stop cold turkey. Instead, there is a wind-down process that already started with the enrollment freeze in early February. So, how long is the ACP program good for if you’re already enjoying ACP benefits for affordable broadband service?
The FCC released an ACP docket detailing the entire wind-down process. We’ll cover key points here.
- End Date Notice: As mentioned above, the estimated Affordable Connectivity Program end date is April 2024, but subject to change depending on fund availability. In regards to this, the FCC will send out a notice 60 days before the official shutdown date, providing ACP beneficiaries with enough time to get their business in order.
- Opt-In Notification: After the official announcement, ACP households will receive an opt-in option from their service provider. This is to protect people from unexpected expenses. With the opt-in, you can choose whether or not to continue with the service provider and the new, non-subsidized fees.
- Multiple Notices: The FCC requires that all ACP beneficiaries receive at least three notifications during the last 60 days, with the first one being in the first 14 days. This will ensure ample opportunity for ACP members to find alternatives or prepare for the additional service provider costs.
The FCC is also working with the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) to ensure users are made aware of the ACP wind-down across various channels, both written and oral.
- Low-Income Plans: The ACP has made great progress with the connectivity program and hopes to continue keeping low-income households connected. To help this process, the ACP has encouraged service providers with low-income options to make these available to ACP beneficiaries.
How Will It Affect Enrolled Individuals?
Once the Affordable Connectivity Program end date passes, enrolled individuals will no longer receive their monthly Internet discount. Those with current Affordable Connectivity Program status will either have to:
- Opt-in and pay the full-service fees with their service provider
- Move to a low-income plan with their service provider, or
- Enroll in another benefit that offers free or discounted service to low-income households.
There is also the small chance of there being funds left over after the last fully funded month, in this case, April. If there are still funds, the APC will offer reduced discounts, so not the full $30 or $75 amount.
Who exactly is eligible will depend on the APC. It might roll out to all applicants or only be allocated to the most in-need households.
It also depends on your Internet provider. They can decide whether or not to provide the reduced discount option or waive it. It’s in your best interest to contact your provider as soon as you receive your ACP wind-down notice and discuss how your provider will handle the process.
Could There Be Additional Funding?
Currently, there is no indication that the government will allocate more funds to the APC program. There is also no information regarding a new program in the same way that the APC replaced the EBB program.
If the APC program does get more funds, it’ll likely be for the next four to six years, with a grant amount of around $20 billion. If there are any changes, the ACP and FCC will provide information and clear instructions on how to enroll again or manage your ACP account.
So, keep an eye out for any notices regarding new funding or programs.
Final Thoughts
The Affordability Connectivity Program (ACP) was established in late 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced low-income households into online work and study, many of whom couldn’t afford the additional Internet costs.
While the ACP has been a huge success, its funds are running out. The program is projected to end in April, and the ACP and FCC have already started the wind-down process. If the program is changed or granted additional funds, you’ll receive a notice.
While the Affordable Connectivity Program end date is almost here, other benefits are available for people struggling with the cost of mobile service. Receive a free phone and cell service with enTouch Wireless. See if you qualify and start your enrollment process today!