The Affordable Connectivity Program:
What It Was, Why It Mattered, and What Comes Next
For millions of Americans, access to affordable and reliable internet is a necessity. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was an FCC-funded initiative that provided a vital monthly discount for over 23 million low-income households across America, with the goal of making digital connectivity accessible to all. Without it, previously-eligible households are struggling to stay connected in a fast-moving world.
What was the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a government assistance program sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designed to provide high-speed internet for low-income households across the United States. Launched on December 31, 2021, the ACP offered a monthly discount of up to $30 for eligible households, and up to $75 per month for those living on qualifying Tribal lands.
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Households qualified if their income was at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household received benefits from programs such as:
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Medicaid
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Federal Public Housing Assistance
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Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
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Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast programs
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Federal Pell Grant
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Participation in certain Tribal-specific programs also qualified households on Tribal lands for additional benefits.
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As of June 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program ran out of federal funding and was discontinued.
Why was the ACP Important?
The ACP helped over 23 million households in the United States afford monthly internet service and played an important role in expanding internet access across the country. According to an FCC survey published in February 2024, over 2/3 of participants polled had inconsistent or no internet accessibility before enrolling in the ACP, largely due to monthly cost concerns. Universal Service Administration Co. statistics state that nearly half of those enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program were active or former military service members. Additionally, of the 23 million households enrolled, almost 5 million were over the age of 65.
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For many American families, this support clearly meant the difference between being connected and falling behind. From work and remote learning to telehealth access, the end of ACP funding in June 2024 has disrupted daily life for countless families across the United States. The result? Kids struggling to complete homework assignments, job seekers unable to submit applications, and seniors who relied on the ACP for affordable internet struggling with unmanageable monthly bills. Competition among rural internet providers remains low as well, meaning prices stay high and options for affordable internet for low income households remain limited in these areas.
Currently, the future of the ACP is uncertain. While bills were proposed in 2024 to extend funding for the ACP, they failed to pass before the program’s funding ran out. Advocates are still urging lawmakers to renew the program or introduce a similar solution, citing its success in keeping underserved and rural communities connected. While there isn’t a firm timeline, bipartisan support remains for some form of ongoing internet affordability assistance.
While entirely free internet through the ACP is no longer available, the Lifeline program remains a vital resource, offering financial relief by providing affordable internet to low-income households struggling to stay connected.
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Lifeline’s internet discount isn't as large as the ACP’s, but it can still help save $9.25 per month on your internet bill ($34.25 for eligible households on Tribal land) and is worth enrolling in if you’re eligible. FreeConnect’s service check partners with major ISPs across the country that accept Lifeline’s discount, meaning we can help you find the lowest price in your area to combine with your Lifeline benefit.
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For more information about the Lifeline program and how to apply, check out our dedicated article detailing the Lifeline program here.
The Bottom Line on Affordable Internet
As technology evolves, the demand for low-cost internet will only continue to grow. With the Affordable Connectivity Program’s future still undetermined, many are searching for new ways to lower their monthly broadband bills. Lifeline’s monthly discount can help, but it may not go far enough for households already paying too much for basic connectivity.
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If you’re looking for affordable internet options available in your area, head here to explore current deals in your area. Because staying connected isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Together, we can work toward a future where no one is left offline.
What Replaced the ACP? Your Options in 2026
The Affordable Connectivity Program officially ended on June 1, 2024, after exhausting its $14.2 billion in federal funding. As of March 2026, no federal replacement has been passed despite strong bipartisan support.
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An estimated 5 million households lost internet access entirely when the ACP ended. Many more saw their bills jump by $30 or more overnight.
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The good news: you still have real options. Here is every path to affordable internet available right now.
Option 1: The Lifeline Program ($9.25/Month Off Your Bill)
Lifeline is a long-running federal program that predates the ACP and is still fully active. It provides a monthly discount on your internet or phone bill.
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What you get:
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$9.25/month off your internet or phone bill
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Up to $34.25/month off if you live on qualifying Tribal lands
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Available through participating providers nationwide
Who qualifies: You are eligible if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if anyone in your household participates in:
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SNAP (food stamps)
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Medicaid
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Federal Public Housing Assistance
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Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
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Certain Tribal-specific programs
Lifeline will not cover your whole bill the way the ACP did, but $9.25/month adds up to over $110 in savings per year. Learn how to apply in our step-by-step Lifeline application guide.
Option 2: ISP Low-Income Internet Plans
Most major internet providers run their own discounted plans for low-income households. Here is what is available as of 2026: test
Provider | Program | Price | Speed | Who Qualifies |
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WOW! | Internet for Education | $9.99/mo | 30 Mbps | K-12 student + SNAP/NSLP |
Xfinity | Internet Essentials | $14.95/mo | 75 Mbps | SNAP, Medicaid, NSLP, SSI |
Optimum | Advantage Internet | $14.99/mo | 50 Mbps | NSLP, SSI |
Spectrum | Internet Assist | $25.00/mo | 50 Mbps | SSI, NSLP, CEP |
AT&T | Access from AT&T | $30.00/mo | 100 Mbps | SNAP, SSI, NSLP |
Verizon | Verizon Forward | Varies | Varies | Federal Assistance Program |
You can combine Lifeline + an ISP low-income plan to get your bill even lower.
Option 3: State-Level Broadband Programs
Several states have stepped up with their own affordable internet programs since the ACP ended:
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California: The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot launched in January 2026, offering $20/month off standalone internet or $30/month off when bundled with phone service.
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New York: The Affordable Broadband Act requires ISPs to offer a $15/month plan to qualifying residents.
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Oregon, Colorado, Vermont: All have active state broadband affordability programs with varying discounts.
How Much Can You Actually Save Without the ACP?
Savings Source | Monthly | Annual |
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Lifeline Discount | $9.25/mo | $111/yr |
ISP Low-Income Plan (vs. Standard) | $30-$60/mo | $360-$720/yr |
State Program (Where Available) | $15-$30/mo | $18-$360/yr |
Total Potential Savings | $54-$99/mo | $651-$1,191/yr |
How FreeConnect Helps You Find the Best Deal
FreeConnect is an authorized internet dealer for 25+ providers. We specialize in helping people find affordable internet after the ACP ended.
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Address-matching tool: Enter your address and see every plan available to you
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Real prices: We show actual prices at your exact address, not estimates
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We handle the paperwork: We walk you through Lifeline enrollment and
ISP applications -
Bilingual support: Our team speaks English and Spanish
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Free to use: There is never a charge for using FreeConnect
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Nothing has replaced the ACP at the federal level. The program ended June 1, 2024, and no successor legislation has been enacted. The best alternatives are the Lifeline program ($9.25/month discount), ISP low-income plans (starting at $9.95/month), and state-level programs like California LifeLine Broadband Pilot.
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Can I still get free internet in 2026?
Free internet through the ACP is no longer available, but some households can get close. By combining Lifeline with an ISP low-income plan and a state program (where available), monthly costs can drop to under $5/month in some areas.
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How do I know which cheap internet plans are available at my address?
Use FreeConnect free address-matching tool at freeconnect.us. Enter your address and we will show you every provider, plan, and price available at your specific location.
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Will the ACP come back?
As of March 2026, there is no active legislation to reinstate the ACP. Several bills were proposed in 2024 but none passed. Some advocates are pushing for broadband affordability to be incorporated into the Universal Service Fund (USF).
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I had the ACP before, do I automatically qualify for Lifeline?
If you qualified for the ACP, you very likely qualify for Lifeline too, since both programs use similar eligibility criteria. However, you do need to apply separately.
Visit our Lifeline application guide for step-by-step instructions.
Last updated: March 2026. Prices and program details may change.