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ACP Funding Runs Out: What’s Next for Low-Income Americans
Congress Fails to Save ACP: What’s Being Proposed to Help Vulnerable Americans Stay Connected
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is in trouble. It was created to help low-income Americans pay for internet, but it has been running out of money since May 1 and will stop working completely on May 31 if Congress doesn’t help. This means that over 23 million homes in the US will have to pay more for internet or stop using it altogether.
Two new plans have been proposed to try to save the ACP. One plan, introduced by Rep. Brandon Williams, would give a smaller amount of money to help people pay for the internet and would allow people who are currently using the ACP to keep using it for 180 days after the plan is passed. However, this plan is unlikely to work because the text of the plan has not been released and only one person has agreed to support it. The other plan, introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke, has stalled in the House of Representatives despite having 230 supporters.
Internet Crisis Looms: ACP Funding Runs Out, Spectrum Offers Relief, and Alternative Options Emerge for Low-Income Americans (PHOTO: CNET)
Spectrum Offers Relief to ACP Funding: Alternative Options for Low-Income Americans
In the meantime, Charter’s Spectrum Mobile brand is offering a free mobile phone line for one year to people who are losing their ACP benefits. They are also offering a deal that will give people up to $2,500 if they switch to Spectrum Mobile and buy at least three phone lines. While no single program can replace the ACP, other local and state programs can help people who are struggling to pay for the internet.
