One Year Without the Affordable Connectivity Program

One year after a key federal broadband subsidy ran out of money, millions of low-income American households have found themselves forced to reduce spending on food, medical care, and other essentials just to stay online. The Affordable Connectivity Program, hailed as a lifeline during the pandemic, expired on June 1, 2024, with no federal replacement in sight. More than 23 million U.S. households had relied on the $30-a-month broadband subsidy during its run from December 2021 to May 2024. While the program’s end prompted many families to downgrade their service to stay connected, an estimated 5 million households have cut internet service altogether, according to a recent Brattle Group report. A January 2025 survey by the National Lifeline Association painted a grim picture: Nearly 40% of former ACP participants said they’ve had to cut back on food to afford their internet bill; 36% indicated they discontinued telehealth without the ACP; and 64% reported being unable to maintain regular contact with friends and family.