Millions of Americans, including 71-year-old retiree Cynthia George, are facing a financial cliff as their access to affordable internet hangs in the balance. With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) set to run out of funding at the end of April, more than 23 million households could lose internet or face increased costs. This crisis threatens to impact nearly 60 million Americans and worsen the digital divide, affecting education, employment, healthcare, and access to services. Congress has been slow to approve the necessary funds to renew the ACP, leaving many struggling individuals at risk.
The ACP has gained popularity since its inception in 2021, with military families, older Americans, and rural residents making up a significant portion of its subscriber base. The program provides essential discounts on internet service for low-income households, ensuring connectivity for those who may otherwise be priced out. Without the ACP, individuals like George and Michelle McDonough fear they will have to make sacrifices in other areas, such as cutting back on groceries or facing challenges accessing remote healthcare and education services.
The ACP was authorized with $14 billion in funding and has been crucial in expanding internet access to underserved communities. The program works in tandem with infrastructure investment to bridge the affordability gap for consumers and support internet providers in building in challenging areas. Rural respondents, in particular, have voiced that the ACP was their first experience with having home internet. If the program collapses, individuals may have to resort to alternative solutions like public Wi-Fi, mobile hotspots, or reduced government aid offerings, such as the FCC’s Lifeline program.
Despite the ACP’s popularity, congressional gridlock and political maneuvers have hindered efforts to renew its funding. Lawmakers have introduced legislation to authorize additional funds, but progress has stalled, leaving vulnerable Americans in limbo. There is growing evidence that investing in the ACP benefits the economy and public health, making it a sensible investment for policymakers. As the election season approaches, political calculations may come into play, potentially affecting the program’s fate and the well-being of its subscribers.
Individuals like Jonathan Blaine, a Vermont software engineer and ACP subscriber, express frustration with lawmakers’ inaction and prioritize political gains over the well-being of working-class Americans. Blaine, along with many others, see through the politicking and call on Congress to prioritize essential programs like the ACP. With the potential for severe consequences if the program is not renewed, voters may hold lawmakers accountable in the upcoming election, underscoring the urgent need for congressional action to prevent a widespread internet access crisis.
