The Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal initiative aimed at helping low-income Americans access the internet, has officially come to a close. The program, which provided monthly credits to eligible households to offset internet costs, was widely popular and served as a crucial lifeline for tens of millions of individuals across the country.
Despite calls for additional funding from consumer advocates and Democratic lawmakers, the program faced its demise after Republicans in Congress failed to approve more funding earlier this year. As a result, nearly 60 million Americans are now at risk of financial distress due to the program's closure.
Administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Affordable Connectivity Program reached approximately 1 in 5 households nationwide, including those on tribal reservations. Participants received monthly credits of up to $30, with higher subsidies available for households on tribal lands.
The lapse of the program has left many wondering about the future of internet access for low-income families. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel expressed the importance of the program in addressing affordability gaps that other initiatives could not fully cover.
Efforts to extend the program through bipartisan legislation were made in the months leading up to the deadline, but faced challenges due to inaction by Republican leaders. President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers have criticized GOP leadership for allowing the program to end.
In response to the closure of the Affordable Connectivity Program, President Biden has called on Congress to pass legislation to extend the program. Additionally, several internet providers have committed to offering low-income internet plans to qualifying households at affordable rates.
While the future of the program remains uncertain, the impact of its closure is already being felt by millions of Americans who relied on it for affordable internet access. Without intervention from Congress, many households may face increased financial burdens or even lose access to the internet altogether.
