ISPs Response to the End of ACP

The press is suddenly full of articles talking about how some internet service providers (ISPs) are offering affordable rates to low-income homes now that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) monthly subsidy has died. Some ISPs are extending the $30 discount for a limited time, while others are offering more affordable broadband plans than in the past. Other ISPs are only making a nod towards affordable broadband and some aren’t giving any discounts to low-income households. A lot of ISPs didn't put much effort into enrolling consumers into the ACP because it was only a temporary program, and the cost and potential downside to participating was bigger than the upside. There is still a chance that the ACP will be funded sometime this year. The folks in Congress looking at restarting the ACP should realize that many ISPs are going to shun ACP if the funding mechanism has to be reauthorized by Congress every few years. If Congress brings back the ACP, then bring it with a permanent funding source—or don’t bother.