A 2021 Pew Research Center survey highlighted that 20% of non-subscribers cited cost as the main reason for lacking home internet, surpassing other reasons, including service availability. This underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to address the affordability aspect of internet access.
Advocacy for ACP
Despite the funding dilemma, the ACP enjoys rare bipartisan support, with 78% of voters, including Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, advocating for its continuation.
A group of 26 governors has also expressed support through a letter urging Congress to extend funding. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to set a notification date for internet providers to inform ACP participants about the program’s potential expiration.
Applying for ACP
Applying for the ACP subsidy involves submitting an application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or through the internet provider’s website.
The process requires gathering various income-related documents for approval, and once sanctioned, the federal government disburses the subsidy to the internet provider, who applies it to the user’s internet bill.
Income Eligibility
Households that participate in federal programs like Lifeline, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children usually qualify for ACP.
