The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is coming to an end, which will have a significant impact on military families who make up nearly half of all ACP recipients. This means that more than 10 million veterans, service members, and their families will see an increase in internet bills at the end of the month. With video-based telehealth visits accounting for a large portion of outpatient care among veterans, the end of the ACP could have dramatic effects on the well-being of the military community. It is stated that some veterans may have to pay $30 to $75 more for internet access every month, which could result in them losing access to the internet entirely, especially in a time when telehealth is crucial.
While the end of the ACP program poses challenges for military families, there are other options available to help offset the increased costs. Many internet providers offer discounts specifically for military families, such as Cox, Rise Broadband, Starlink, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity. These discounts range from percentage savings on monthly internet services to reduced prices on equipment. Additionally, there are other government subsidies and programs, like Lifeline, that offer low-income internet options for families who may not qualify for military discounts.
Cox offers the ConnectAssist plan for those who receive VA Pension and Survivors benefits, providing internet speeds up to 100Mbps for $30 a month. Rise Broadband offers a 10% discount to active and retired military members on their monthly services, while Starlink does not have a military discount but can be purchased through Home Depot for a 10% discount on their satellite dish. Verizon Fios and Xfinity also offer military discounts on their internet plans, providing savings for military members and veterans.
For military families looking for alternative options, there are various low-income internet programs worth exploring, such as Lifeline. This program has income requirements and offers a benefit of $9.25 monthly, which can be used for home internet or cellphone plans. Additionally, some state or city resources may be available to help keep military families connected. It is important for military families to explore these options to find the most affordable and accessible internet services for their needs, especially as the ACP program comes to an end.
