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A program that subsidizes the cost of internet access for low-income families is projected to end in April due to a shortage of funding. A bipartisan group of federal lawmakers and advocacy groups in Missouri are working to extend the program that affects 23 million households across the country, including almost 400,000 households in Missouri.
In November 2021, Congress invested $14.2 billion in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which was part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The ACP has provided a $30-per-month discount on internet access for eligible households with financial hardships. It also provides a $75-per-month discount for households residing on qualifying tribal lands.
The Federal Communications Commission manages the program, and participating internet providers receive reimbursements from the FCC for offering discounts to eligible subscribers.
A virtual conference hosted recently brought together seven advocates to discuss the future of the program.
One ACP recipient, Dorothy Burrell of Kansas City, shared how the program’s end might affect her.
“(The cost of) internet is so high out here,” Burrell said. “It really jeopardized me going to the store, being able to go to the doctor, to grocery shop. It would be heartbreaking if they take it from us because it really does benefit us a lot.”
Of approximately 994,000 households that are eligible for the service in Missouri, around 40% enrolled in the program for discounted internet access.
As of Feb. 21, Missouri has received approximately $194 million through the program to support the eligible households. Through ACP, Missouri families are saving about $11.2 million total each month.
That funding, however, is drying up. The FCC stopped receiving new applications after Feb. 7 and is gradually winding down the program. Without further congressional support, the program is projected to run out of funding by April.
Current ACP recipients would no longer receive discounts for internet access after April.
COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN