The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government initiative designed to help low-income households afford internet service. However, this program stopped accepting new applications February 7, 2024, and is scheduled to run out of funding in April 2024. Congress will need to renew the funding for the ACP to continue.
Almost 400,000 households are enrolled in the ACP in Missouri saving over 11 million dollars each month on their internet bills. As the program winds down, many will be looking to find either lower cost options or another program to help cover Internet costs. Some may even decide to discontinue their internet service.
However, there are alternative options available. In the remainder of this blog, these options will be discussed along with the differences to the ACP. Some of these options may not be available to all Missourians due to location or qualifications to participate.
One option is the FCC Lifeline program. The Lifeline program works similar to the ACP program but has stricter requirement for participation and has a small benefit to the household for covering the cost of internet. Lifeline provides qualified subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating providers. If your household income is 135% of the federal poverty guideline you qualify for the Lifeline program. You may also qualify for the program if you are receiving benefits from one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- Tribal Programs for Native American
One alternative is exploring community-based programs. Many local libraries and community centers offer free Wi-Fi access or loan Wi-Fi hotspots to community members. You may also want to contact the local community action agency or other local non-profits to see if there are funds to help assist with the cost of internet access, access to hotspots, or free Wi-Fi access . You can use the Digital Asset Map at mobroadband.org to help with your search.
National non-profit organizations also play a role in bridging the digital divide. Groups like EveryoneOn and PCs for People connect people to low-cost internet service and affordable devices.
Another avenue is negotiating with internet service providers (ISPs). Some ISPs offer discounted plans for low-income families or special programs for students and seniors. It’s worth contacting providers directly to inquire about any available options that may not be widely advertised. Here are links to several providers that have their own assistance programs. This is not an exhaustive list, so be sure to talk to the ISPs in your community about their programs.
- Comcast Internet Essentials
- Altice Advantage
- Verizon Forward Program
- AT&T Access program
- Cox ConnectAssist
- Mediacom Connect2Compete
- Frontier Essentials
In conclusion, while the ACP provides a valuable service to many, there are several alternatives worth considering. Each option has its own set of benefits and limitations, and what works best will depend on individual circumstances.
