'It's going to be a mess': Federal Communications Commission begins wind down of monthly $30 subsidy for internet bills

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has begun winding down a program that helps low-income people pay for internet service, which would affect 67,548 subscribers in Allegheny County alone. FCC officials said most of the funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will run out by the end of April without additional appropriations from Congress. Enrollment in the program, which has nearly 23 million beneficiaries nationwide, is scheduled to close February 7, 2024. “It’s going to be a mess to notify all these people,” said Dave Sevick, executive director of Computer Reach, a Homewood nonprofit that refurbishes laptops for distribution to needy families. “It’s really a sad story of hurting people who are low income.”