Affordable Connectivity Program

In 2021, US Congress passed a $1 trillion infrastructure package including $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program.[8] The program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, with $14 billion dedicated to the act.[9] The ACB replaced the EBB on December 31, 2021.[10]

When the act was remarked upon by US President Biden on May 9, 2022, close to 40% of American households qualified for assistance, i.e. households or individuals earned twice the poverty level or less.[3] There are higher limits in Hawaii and Alaska.[6] According to NPR, an estimated 48 million Americans qualified, with the plans to provide at least 100 megabits per second of speed for a maximum of $30.[4] One person in the household must participate in government assistance programs, if the household is above 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.[11]

Twenty internet providers were initially involved, including regional companies such as Hawaiian Telcom and Jackson Energy Authority in Tennessee.[4] The full list included Allo Communications, Altafiber, Altice USA, Astound, AT&T, Breezeline, Comcast, Comporium, Frontier, IdeaTek, Cox Communications, Jackson Energy Authority, MediaCom, MLGC, Spectrum, Verizon, Vermont Telephone Company, Vexus Fiber, and Wow! Internet, Cable, and TV.[7][8] Aristata Communications joined the program in August 2023.[12]

In 2021, Pew Research Center engaged in a study on the act along with the University of Southern California's Annenberg Research Network on International Communications and the California Emerging Technology Fund, looking at uptake and impact in California.[13]

Separate from the ACP, United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper introduced the $45 billion Internet for All initiative in Durham, North Carolina on May 13, 2022. The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is to provide each state with $5 million for planning and $100 million for expansion, with states having a greater need receiving more money. The legislature of each state must approve.[14] Funding is also provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.[8]

A Pew study released in February 2023 about the ACP stated that enrollment difficulties presented difficulties for eligible households, with 45 percent of applicants rejected, and others giving up on the applications before they were submitted. Data sharing limitations between agencies was also described a limiting factor for uptake.[15]

On February 27, 2023, the White House announced 16 million households were "saving $500 million per year" due to the program.[16] By July 2023, there were 1,300 internet providers participating in the ACP, although not all provided the discounted device benefit.[17] In July 2023, a study showed about 14% of the United States was enrolled in the program.[18] As of July 31, 2023, 19.8 million households had signed up for the ACP, with 2.8 million of them in rural counties.[9]

By August 2023, there were reports the program would run out of money by 2024.[9] By mid-2024, according to an analysis by 'The Hill', federal funds available to pay for the program will be depleted, although the federal government "may" continue funding.[17] On August 3, 2023, it was reported that the subsidy would increase to $75/hr month for people in 'high-cost' areas. Congress instructed the NTIA to identify high-cost areas and consult on the matter with the FCC.[9]