The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in early February 2024. Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP has ended for now. Effective June 1, 2024, households stopped receiving an ACP discount.
The ACP is a federal subsidized internet program launched in 2021. It offers a $30 monthly internet discount (or $75 on tribal lands) for internet plans with speeds up to 100Mbps. Households could enroll in the ACP if they participated in assistance programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Veterans Pension. More than 23 million households nationwide enrolled in the ACP.
Congress initially allotted $14.2 billion to fund the ACP in 2021. However, the FCC projects the program ran out of funding. Industry analysts believe it’s increasingly unlikely that Congress will renew the ACP amid larger federal budget conflicts. As a result, the FCC stopped processing new applications in early February in preparation for the ACP’s potential shutdown.
The FCC and internet providers are preparing for the worst-case scenario, but the ACP isn’t dead yet. If Congress renews funding, the ACP could continue. Last October, the White House urged Congress to extend ACP funding with an additional $6 billion through the end of 2024. The ACP enjoys rare bipartisan support; a March 2023 poll from the Digital Progress Institute showed a majority of Democrats and Republicans favoring the ACP. In January, a bipartisan group of senators and representatives introduced a $7 billion funding bill to keep the ACP running, but it has yet to gain traction in Congress and was excluded from the 2024 budget planning.
Keep an eye on your email or mailbox for updates. Assuming the ACP’s funding isn’t renewed, ISPs will start sending notices to ACP-enrolled households with the following information:
At Maxsip, we understand how crucial it is to stay connected. That’s why we are committed to providing you with alternative solutions during this period. While the ACP is paused, you can still enjoy:
Stay in touch with your loved ones and manage your day-to-day activities without interruption. We are offering free data, calling, and unlimited texting to ensure you remain connected.
Explore other Maxsip offerings that can keep you connected and save you money:
Maxsip Home-Internet: Stay connected at home with our reliable and affordable internet solutions, ensuring you have access to the web for work, education, and entertainment.
Maxsip is dedicated to ensuring that our customers remain connected, even during challenging times. We are proud to offer reliable service and valuable programs that support your connectivity needs. Our goal is to provide seamless communication options, keeping you in touch with what matters most.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you informed about any updates regarding the ACP. In the meantime, take advantage of our offerings and continue enjoying the benefits of being a Maxsip customer.
Contact us at support@maxsiptel.com or visit our website for other connectivity solutions.