The ACP was a huge success. ACP connected approximately 20 million out of 52 million eligible households to broadband internet (i.e., 1 in 3 eligible households). These households are in every state and territory across the country. Consumers who could not afford broadband were able to get connected and stay connected which is critical for education, health care, employment and so much more. Providers were able to get more consumers on their networks, which helps support the business case for deploying broadband network infrastructure. 

However, due to inaction from Congress, the ACP ran out of funds at the end of April 2024, threatening loss of access to Internet service for millions of consumers. We need long term changes to make the Universal Service Fund sustainable, but in the short term, we need new ACP funding to ensure all Americans, regardless of income level, have access to high-speed internet service.

Congress should commit to providing Americans with affordable, high-speed internet by creating a consistent and reliable long-term subsidy to continue the ACP. The ACP is supported by a broad range of stakeholders including consumer groups, public interest organizations, broadband providers, and industry trade associations. These groups all urge Congress to continue funding the ACP.

Americans are paying an average of $61-per-month for internet service, so the Affordable Connectivity Program offers significant relief for low-income households that struggle to maintain their essential needs.

Congress can and should take several other steps to ensure that high-speed internet is affordable and accessible, including, but not limited to:  

• providing funding for devices like computers and tablets;
• making broadband providers to offer an affordable “basic service” package;
• enforcing price transparency requirements, including fees and equipment rentals; and
• incentivizing competition in order to decrease prices long-term.
   

Tell Congress it’s time to #MakeBroadbandAffordable for everyone.