What ACP Was
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in November 2021. It provided a $30/month discount on broadband ($75/month on Tribal lands) for households at or below 200% FPL — a higher income threshold than Lifeline's 135% FPL. At its peak in late 2023, ACP served 23.2 million households. Combined with Lifeline's $9.25, ACP made broadband effectively free for millions of households: Comcast Internet Essentials ($9.95/mo) minus $30 ACP minus $9.25 Lifeline = $0.
Why It Ended
ACP's $14.2 billion appropriation was exhausted by early 2024. Congress considered extension bills in 2023–2024 but bipartisan proposals didn't advance before the June 1, 2024 end date. Cost ($6 billion/year to sustain) and disagreements about funding mechanisms prevented reauthorization. As of mid-2026, no successor program has been enacted — though proposals remain active in Congress.
Impact When It Ended
The June 1, 2024 end date was immediate and universal: all 23.2 million enrolled households lost the $30 benefit simultaneously. Many households that had free broadband through ACP + ISP low-income program combinations saw their cost jump to $9.95–$25/month overnight. Surveys found 20–30% of former ACP recipients disconnected service after the benefit ended, reversing years of broadband adoption gains particularly for families with school-age children.
What Remains in 2026
Lifeline ($9.25/month): The only federal connectivity discount that continues. Can be applied to phone or internet service. Apply at lifelinesupport.org. See Lifeline Free Phone Program for the full guide.
ISP low-income programs: Most major ISPs continue programs established or expanded during the ACP era. These are independently funded by the providers and don't depend on federal appropriations.
ISP Low-Income Programs in 2026
| Provider | Program | Monthly Cost | Speed | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comcast/Xfinity | Internet Essentials | $9.95 | 50 Mbps | SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8, SSI |
| AT&T | Access | $10–$30 | 10–100 Mbps | SNAP, SSI, Medicaid |
| Cox | Connect2Compete | $9.95 | 25 Mbps | SNAP, school lunch |
| Spectrum | Internet Assist | $24.99 | 30 Mbps | SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Section 8 |
| T-Mobile | Connecting More Families | $5–$25 | 5G home | Title I school or SNAP |
Availability depends on whether the provider serves your address. Combined with Lifeline's $9.25, Comcast Internet Essentials effectively costs $0.70/mo for qualifying households. Contact providers directly or visit their websites to check address eligibility and apply.
Lifeline — The Ongoing Option
For households without access to an ISP low-income program, Lifeline provides the best remaining federal assistance. Applied to a wireless plan, $9.25 often covers the entire cost of a basic Lifeline plan (unlimited talk, text, some data). Applied to broadband, it reduces your monthly bill by $9.25. The Lifeline Eligibility Checker confirms eligibility and shows available plans for your address. Take the Benefits Match Quiz to identify Lifeline alongside all other programs you may qualify for.