With the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) on May 31, 2024, many Americans are left searching for ways to maintain affordable internet access. The ACP helped millions of households access low-cost internet, but with its end, here are five options to keep your internet bill in check.
During its operation, the ACP provided subsidies of $30 per month for eligible households and $75 for those on Tribal lands, allowing 23 million families to stay connected. With internet now a necessity for work, education, and healthcare, many households that relied on the ACP are in a difficult position.
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A report by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found that 25% of former ACP users were canceling their internet service, and 36% of households were downgrading to cheaper plans. While there were efforts to extend the program, they haven’t been successful so far. Fortunately, there are other government-backed initiatives and private options to help.
Affordable Internet Options
1. Explore Low-Income Programs Several services are available to help you access affordable internet, starting with Everyone On, which connects users to low-cost local internet services based on zip code. Use their tool to find affordable options near you.
You may also qualify for low-income plans offered by major ISPs such as AT&T, Cox, Optimum, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Here are a few:
- AT&T Access: Offers $30/month internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps, with no contracts or fees. To qualify, you must meet certain income requirements or be enrolled in programs like SNAP or SSI.
- Cox Connect2Compete: Costs $10/month for speeds up to 100 Mbps, available to households with K-12 students and those enrolled in programs like SNAP or NSLP.
- Kinetic by Windstream: Offers $10/month internet with speeds up to 300 Mbps for qualified users, matching the previous ACP subsidy.
- Mediacom Xtream Connect: Provides speeds of up to 100 Mbps for $29/month with a waived modem fee for NSLP participants.
- Optimum Advantage Internet: Offers speeds up to 50 Mbps for $15/month with no fees.
- Verizon Forward: Provides 300 Mbps fiber and 4G/5G plans for $20/month, with the flexibility to apply credits for additional services.
2. Additional Government and Nonprofit Support
- Lifeline: A federally funded program offering a $9.25 monthly subsidy for home internet service. It’s available to individuals who meet income criteria or are enrolled in federal programs like Medicaid or SNAP.
- Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs): Companies like Mint Mobile, Tello, and Wing offer affordable mobile data plans that can also be used for internet access, starting as low as $5–$15 per month.
- Human-I-T: This nonprofit offers affordable 4G internet services and low-cost devices for individuals enrolled in government assistance programs.
3. Purchase Your Own Equipment Renting equipment like modems and routers from your ISP can cost around $10 per month. To reduce costs, consider buying your own modem and router. While there’s an upfront cost, you can recover it within a year. Look for deals on second-hand or discounted devices to keep your overall expenses low.
4. Negotiate With Your ISP Don’t hesitate to contact your internet provider and negotiate a better deal. Many ISPs are willing to offer discounts or special rates to retain customers. In addition, check for bundled packages that combine internet and TV services for a more affordable rate.
5. Public Access Points If you’re unable to afford home internet, public places can provide free or low-cost access. Libraries, community centers, and schools often offer Wi-Fi and, in some cases, allow you to borrow Wi-Fi hotspots for free. This can be a temporary solution if you’re in need of a connection but can’t afford home internet.
While the end of the ACP program may have created a gap, these options offer pathways to affordable internet access. Whether through government programs, low-income ISP plans, or negotiating with providers, there are still plenty of ways to reduce your internet costs.