The End of the Affordable Connectivity Program: How Communities Are Coping and What Comes Next

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a crucial resource that made the internet more affordable for the 23 million households previously enrolled. ACP—which offered $30 per month for internet bills, $75 per month on Tribal lands, and a one-time discount for devices—was a safety net for eligible households, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas. However, with the program’s end on June 1, communities are feeling the strain of having that safety net removed, and families that once relied on it are back to struggling to stay connected. The loss of ACP is not just a policy issue; it’s a real-world crisis for those who depend on affordable internet to survive and thrive. The program’s end has had tangible, negative impacts on its former participants and has challenged digital inclusion practitioners in their efforts to connect community members.