Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Guide: Status and Alternatives in 2026

The Affordable Connectivity Program was the largest broadband affordability initiative in U.S. history, providing up to $30/month discounts to over 23 million low-income households. When the program's funding expired in June 2024, millions of Americans faced the sudden return of full-price internet bills. This guide explains what happened to the ACP, what programs have emerged to fill the gap, and how you can find affordable internet in 2026.

What Was the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The ACP was a federal government benefit program launched in December 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It provided eligible households with discounts on monthly internet service and a one-time discount on a connected device. Key details of the program included:

• Monthly discount: Up to $30/month toward internet service ($75/month for households on qualifying Tribal lands)
• Device discount: One-time discount of up to $100 toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet
• Eligibility: Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or those participating in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, Federal Pell Grant, free school lunch, or Lifeline
• Enrollment peak: Over 23 million households enrolled before the program ended
• Total funding: $14.2 billion, which was exhausted by June 2024

Many internet service providers created ACP-specific plans priced at exactly $30/month, meaning qualifying households could get free internet. This was transformative for low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, and rural communities struggling with broadband access.

Why Did the ACP End?

The ACP had a fixed budget of $14.2 billion, and the program proved far more popular than originally projected. By early 2024, the FCC warned that funds would run out within months. Despite bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress, legislation to extend the program's funding stalled amid broader budget disagreements. The last fully funded month of service was May 2024, with a partial benefit provided in June 2024 before the program officially ended.

Legislative efforts to revive the program continue, including the proposed Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, but as of February 2026, no new federal funding has been approved. Some members of Congress have included ACP restoration in larger spending packages under consideration.

Current Alternatives to the ACP

FCC Lifeline Program

The Lifeline program, which predates the ACP, continues to provide a $9.25/month discount on internet or phone service for eligible households. While the discount is smaller than the ACP's $30/month, it remains the primary federal broadband subsidy. Eligibility is similar to the ACP: households at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participating in qualifying federal assistance programs. You can apply at checklifeline.org.

ISP Low-Income Programs

Many major internet service providers launched or maintained their own affordable internet programs following the ACP's expiration. These vary by provider but generally offer reduced-price plans for qualifying households.

State Broadband Affordability Programs

Several states have stepped in with their own broadband assistance programs to help fill the gap left by the ACP's expiration. Notable state programs include:

• California: The California Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program allocates state funds for low-income broadband access
• New York: The Affordable Broadband Act requires ISPs receiving state funds to offer $15/month plans to qualifying households
• Vermont: The Vermont Community Broadband Board subsidizes internet for low-income residents
• Maryland: The Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit helps bridge the gap with state funding

Check with your state's broadband office or public utility commission to find programs available in your area. Many states are still launching new programs as federal BEAD infrastructure funds are deployed.

How to Find the Cheapest Internet in Your Area

Even without the ACP, there are strategies to reduce your internet costs significantly. Here is a practical approach to finding affordable broadband:

1. Check all available providers: Use our provider search tool to see every internet option at your address. Competition between providers often leads to lower prices.
2. Ask about promotional pricing: Most providers offer introductory rates that are 30-50% lower than standard pricing. Be prepared to negotiate or switch providers when promotions expire.
3. Consider 5G home internet: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet at $50/month is often cheaper than cable with no equipment fees or contracts. In some areas, this is the most affordable unlimited broadband available.
4. Evaluate your speed needs: Do not pay for more speed than you need. A household of 1-2 people with moderate usage can often get by with a 100 Mbps plan for $40-50/month. See our speed selection guide.
5. Buy your own equipment: Renting a modem and router from your ISP can cost $10-15/month ($120-180/year). Buying your own equipment pays for itself within a year. See our equipment guide.
6. Stack discounts: Combine ISP low-income programs with the Lifeline discount when possible. Some states allow stacking multiple programs for maximum savings.

Qualifying for Low-Income Internet Programs

Most affordable internet programs share similar eligibility criteria. You may qualify if your household meets any of the following conditions:

• Household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines (approximately $62,400 for a family of four in 2026)
• A household member participates in SNAP (food stamps)
• A household member receives Medicaid benefits
• A household member receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• A household member receives Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
• A household member receives WIC benefits
• A household member is approved for a Federal Pell Grant in the current year
• A child in the household participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• A household member receives Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit

Documentation requirements vary by provider, but typically include proof of program participation (a benefit letter or card) or proof of income (tax returns, pay stubs, or a benefits verification letter).

The Digital Divide in 2026

The expiration of the ACP highlighted the persistent digital divide in America. While broadband infrastructure continues to expand through BEAD funding and private investment, affordability remains the primary barrier for millions of households. Key statistics paint a concerning picture:

• An estimated 15-18 million households lost their broadband discounts when the ACP ended
• Surveys indicate roughly 25-30% of former ACP households either disconnected from home internet or downgraded to cheaper, slower plans
• Low-income households pay a proportionally higher share of their income for internet (5-10%) compared to middle-income households (1-2%)
• Rural areas continue to face both availability and affordability challenges

Organizations like the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and EveryoneOn continue to advocate for sustainable broadband affordability solutions and maintain databases of local programs and resources.

What to Do If You Cannot Afford Internet

If home broadband remains out of reach despite the programs listed above, several free or very low-cost options exist:

• Public library Wi-Fi: All public libraries offer free internet access, and many have extended their Wi-Fi range to reach parking lots and outdoor areas
• Community Wi-Fi programs: Many cities and nonprofits operate free community Wi-Fi networks, especially in underserved neighborhoods
• School and educational programs: If you have school-age children, many school districts provide free hotspot devices or subsidized internet for enrolled families
• Xfinity WiFi hotspots: Comcast operates millions of public Wi-Fi hotspots in its service areas. Internet Essentials customers get free access
• Mobile data plans: In some cases, an affordable unlimited mobile data plan ($25-35/month) can serve as a primary internet source for light users

Legislative Outlook

Several pieces of federal legislation aimed at restoring broadband affordability benefits are under consideration in Congress. While the political landscape remains uncertain, broadband affordability enjoys bipartisan support. Advocacy groups recommend contacting your representatives to express support for affordable internet programs. The FCC continues to explore options within its existing authority to promote broadband affordability.