January 1, 2022executivebroadbanddigital equitylow income householdsinternet accessexecutive
Biden Affordable Connectivity Program reduces internet bills for 21 million households
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), funded by Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, begins providing subsidies of up to $30 per month ($75 for Tribal lands) toward broadband internet service for low-income households. At its peak, the program helps over 23 million households, disproportionately Black, Hispanic, and rural, afford home internet access. The program represents a notable expansion of the digital equity agenda. However, Congress fails to provide additional funding and the ACP winds down in April 2024 when its initial funding runs out, with approximately 23 million households facing bills rising by $30/month or losing service entirely.