ACP Program Status What Replaced It? [2026]

What Was the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program launched in December 2021 as a replacement and expansion of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which provided pandemic-era internet assistance. ACP offered $30/month discounts on internet service ($75/month for households on Tribal lands) plus one-time discounts of up to $100 toward devices like laptops or tablets. At its peak in early 2024, over 23 million American households received ACP benefits.

ACP had broader eligibility than Lifeline. Households qualified at 200% of federal poverty guidelines (approximately $60,000/year for a family of four) compared to Lifeline's 135% threshold. This expansion meant middle-income families struggling with internet costs could receive assistance. Participants in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Pell Grants, WIC, and other programs automatically qualified, making enrollment straightforward for millions of families.

The program cost approximately $14 billion annually, funded through federal appropriations rather than telecom industry contributions like Lifeline. Congress initially allocated $14.2 billion for ACP but did not provide ongoing funding. By early 2024, funds were depleting, and despite bipartisan support for extension, Congress failed to allocate additional money. The FCC announced the program would wind down, and benefits ceased in June 2024.

Why Did ACP End?

Congressional inaction ended ACP despite overwhelming evidence of its effectiveness. Studies showed ACP participants maintained internet service at higher rates than pre-program periods, students in ACP households demonstrated improved academic performance, and job seekers used ACP-supported internet for employment searches. Yet political gridlock prevented funding renewal, leaving 23 million households facing sudden cost increases of $30-75/month.

Providers enrolled heavily in ACP, integrating it into their operations and marketing. When funding ended, they faced the challenge of retaining customers who suddenly faced significantly higher bills. Some providers offered temporary discounts to smooth the transition, but most customers either paid full price, downgraded service, or disconnected entirely. The abrupt termination created hardship for families who had come to rely on affordable connectivity for work, school, and healthcare.

Advocacy groups continue pushing for ACP reinstatement or a permanent replacement program. Bills have been introduced in Congress to fund long-term connectivity assistance, but as of February 2026, none have passed. The digital divide, which ACP significantly narrowed, has widened again as millions of families cannot afford internet at commercial rates. Policy experts argue this represents a step backward in digital equity.

Current Alternatives to ACP

Lifeline remains the primary federal assistance program after ACP's termination. The $9.25/month discount is significantly less than ACP's $30/month but helps reduce costs. Eligibility is more restrictive (135% of poverty vs. 200%), meaning some ACP participants don't qualify for Lifeline. However, for households participating in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other qualifying programs, Lifeline provides immediate partial relief. Apply at LifelineSupport.org or through participating providers.

Internet Essentials from Xfinity offers 50 Mbps service at $9.95/month to households with students receiving free or reduced-price meals, residents of HUD-assisted housing, or participants in public assistance programs. This program predates ACP and continues operating independently. Combined with Lifeline ($9.25 discount), total cost drops to approximately $0.70/month. Call 1-844-963-0138 or visit InternetEssentials.com to apply.

Spectrum Internet Assist provides 50 Mbps for $17.99/month to qualifying households, including National School Lunch Program participants and SSI recipients over 65. Like Internet Essentials, this program operates regardless of federal funding changes. With Lifeline applied, cost drops to $8.74/month. Contact Spectrum at 1-844-481-5997 or visit Spectrum.com/internet-assist.

Provider-Specific Transition Programs

AT&T Access offers internet starting at $10/month for SNAP or SSI recipients. Speeds range from 10-100 Mbps depending on location and technology. AT&T continues this program post-ACP as part of their digital equity commitments. Combined with Lifeline, costs drop to approximately $0.75/month. Call 1-855-850-5977 or visit att.com/access to apply.

Some providers created temporary ACP transition discounts. Comcast, Charter, Cox, and others offered 3-6 month temporary credits to ease former ACP participants into full-price service or alternative programs. These transition programs have mostly expired by 2026, but it's worth asking providers if any assistance remains available. Customer retention departments sometimes have discretionary credits for customers facing financial hardship.

State and local governments in some areas have created emergency connectivity funds to fill the ACP gap. California, New York, Illinois, and other states allocated state-level funding for temporary internet assistance. Check your state's Office of Digital Equity or Public Utilities Commission website for local programs. Municipal broadband systems in some cities also offer reduced rates for low-income residents independent of federal programs.

Device Assistance After ACP

ACP's $100 device discount is gone, but alternatives exist. PCs for People (pcsforpeople.org) sells refurbished computers for $50-150 and offers $10-15/month mobile hotspot service to low-income households. EveryOne On (everyoneon.org) connects families to device discounts and digital literacy training. Microsoft's Affordable Access Initiative partners with nonprofits to distribute refurbished devices to qualifying families.

Libraries remain a crucial resource for device access. Most public libraries offer free computer and internet access, and some have expanded laptop lending programs. During the pandemic, libraries established long-term device checkout programs, allowing patrons to borrow laptops, tablets, and hotspots for weeks or months. Check your local library's technology lending policies—many have formalized these services as permanent offerings.

Schools increasingly provide devices for K-12 students, independent of ACP. Many districts adopted 1:1 device programs (one device per student) during remote learning and maintained them post-pandemic. If you have school-age children, inquire with your district about device availability. Some districts allow students to take devices home for homework and family use, providing household internet access through school-issued hotspots or home network support.

Advocating for ACP Reinstatement

Grassroots advocacy can pressure Congress to refund ACP or create a permanent replacement. Organizations like the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, and Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition actively lobby for connectivity funding. Join mailing lists, contact your congressional representatives, and share your story about how ACP helped your household or how its loss has impacted you.

State-level advocacy may be more effective than federal efforts in the current political climate. State legislatures can create their own assistance programs funded by state budgets or universal service mechanisms. California and New York have shown leadership in digital equity, and other states could follow. Contact state representatives and governors' offices to request state-level ACP alternatives. Local success stories can build momentum for federal action.

Provider accountability matters. Telecoms benefited enormously from ACP—it subsidized customer acquisition and retention at government expense. Now that ACP has ended, push providers to maintain affordable options. File complaints with the FCC and state regulators when providers fail to offer reasonable low-income alternatives. Public pressure and regulatory scrutiny can motivate providers to expand voluntary affordability programs.

How to Apply for Internet Assistance

Applying for low-income internet assistance is straightforward, though the process varies by program. Most programs require documentation proving your eligibility based on income level or participation in qualifying government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or free/reduced school lunch programs.

Start by checking if your household qualifies through the FCC's broadband assistance programs. You can apply online through the program's official website or in person at participating providers. The application typically requires proof of identity, proof of address, and documentation of qualifying income or program participation.

Many major providers also offer their own low-income programs separate from federal assistance. Xfinity's Internet Essentials, AT&T's Access, and Spectrum's Internet Assist programs provide basic internet service at reduced rates of $10-$30 per month. These programs often have separate application processes and may not require the same documentation as federal programs.

If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Common reasons for denial include incomplete documentation or not meeting the specific income threshold. Reapplying with updated or additional documentation often resolves the issue. Community organizations like libraries and community action agencies can help you with the application process.

Additional Resources for Affordable Internet

Beyond the major federal and provider programs, several additional resources can help you access affordable internet:

• EveryoneOn (everyoneon.org): A nonprofit that helps low-income families find affordable internet service and low-cost computers. Enter your zip code to see available programs in your area.
• PCs for People: Provides refurbished computers with built-in internet connectivity to qualifying individuals and families at low cost.
• Local libraries: Offer free internet access and Wi-Fi. Many libraries also lend mobile hotspots that you can take home for weeks at a time.
• School districts: Many school districts provide internet access or hotspot devices to families with students, regardless of which internet assistance programs they qualify for.
• State broadband offices: Each state has a broadband office that maintains a list of available assistance programs and upcoming broadband expansion projects in your area.

If you are a senior citizen, check with your local Area Agency on Aging for additional programs specific to older adults. Several nonprofits and government agencies offer discounted internet and digital literacy training for seniors.