Nearly 3 million California households will lose discounted internet. Here's why

A program that helped millions of households across the country — and 2.8 million in California — afford internet access is ending, without additional funding from Congress. The Affordable Connectivity Program began in 2021 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. California received about $1.3 billion in funding through the program that helped about 1-in-5 households in the state. The Federal Communications Commission said that current funding is projected to run out in April and households will receive benefits through the end of the month. The program needs a $6 billion infusion to extend the program through 2024. When funds run out, households won’t get the discounts. A bipartisan group of six lawmakers — including Sens Peter Welch (D-VT) and JD Vance (R-OH) — called for additional funding through the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, which could extend the program through the end of the year.