End of the Road for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) : Impacts and Next Steps for Users

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 8, 2024. This decision marks a significant transition for the program, indicating the beginning of its wind-down phase due to the exhaustion of funds. Enrolled households, as long as they were approved and enrolled with a service provider by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 7, 2024, will continue to receive the ACP benefit​​.

The ACP provides eligible households with a discount on internet service—up to $30 per month and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands, in addition to a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. With the program no longer accepting new applications, current beneficiaries will continue to receive benefits through April 2024, assuming no further funding is provided by Congress​​.

For users, the cessation of new applications and enrollments means that those not already enrolled in the program as of the cutoff date will not be able to avail themselves of these benefits. Those who are currently benefiting from the program should start preparing for the transition by exploring alternative options for affordable internet service, as the subsidies will cease after April 2024 unless additional funding is secured. This could potentially lead to increased internet service costs for households that have been relying on ACP subsidies to lower their monthly expenses.