How Successful Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Across the country, states are making critical decisions about how to leverage $80 billion in federal broadband infrastructure funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). With the right planning, these funds could ensure that high-speed internet service will finally reach every single home and business in the country, which has been one of Common Sense Media's top priorities for years. However, careful planning and community outreach are essential to using these funds effectively, as is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)—the most successful program the country has ever enacted to help struggling families afford high-speed internet. Here are five facts about the impact the ACP is having on families across the country:

• Roughly 50 million households qualify for the subsidy. That's nearly 40% of the country.
• Over 18.5 million households are currently enrolled. That's more than 14% of the country.
• In 2023, ACP enrollment grew by over half a million every month, or at a rate of 3.5% per month.
• Majorities in both parties support the ACP: Sixty-four percent of Republicans and 95% of Democrats.
• The ACP's success is bipartisan. Forty-six percent of enrollees live in Republican congressional districts, and 50% live in Democratic congressional districts.

The benefit of the ACP also reaches well beyond eligible households. Our research found that connecting families has a significant positive impact on education, health care, government services, and even workforce development. When more households are connected to high-speed internet, outcomes can improve in each of these sectors. For example, when students remain unconnected, our research found an estimated loss of $33 billion dollars in GDP annually. By connecting students, the country could avoid this loss. To close the digital divide once and for all, we need to continue funding a robust ACP.