The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) on April 30 represents an imminent threat to the internet access of millions of Americans, especially those in precarious economic situations. This program, initiated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 with a fund of 14.2 billion dollars, offered monthly credits of up to 30 dollars for low-income households and up to 75 dollars for residents in rural areas, facilitating access to high-speed networks.
Wired reported that the reason behind the ACP’s expiration lay in a lack of continued funding from Congress, despite multiple calls from the Biden administration and advocacy groups to renew the program.
With more than 23 million households benefiting since its implementation, ending this program will not only increase internet bills, but will also force many to make difficult decisions between paying for internet access or covering other basic needs.
“I’m going to have to get rid of Wi-Fi or I’m going to have to come up with other ways to pay online,” Walter Durham, a San Diego-based veterinarian who used the savings from ACP to eat healthy, told CNN.
CNN noted that in states like Illinois, citizens like Cindy Westman, who relies on the internet to manage the medical care of her daughter with cerebral palsy and autism, will face even greater difficulty staying connected. The situation is similar for Cynthia George, a 71-year-old retiree in Florida, who fears having to choose between buying food or paying for internet service.
Both represent just two of the nearly 60 million Americans who will be affected by the end of this program, highlighting the particular impact on those over 50, retired military and low-income working families across the country.
The ACP’s conclusion also raises serious questions about the future of the digital divide in the United States and the alternatives available to those affected. Although programs such as Universal Service Administrative Company’s Lifeline offer certain subsidies, they are considerably smaller compared to ACP benefits.
The statements of the White House press secretary and several legislators demonstrated the frustration and political disagreement surrounding the extension of the program, while highlighting the integrality of the ACP in keeping vulnerable sectors of American society connected.
“Most of the people who have signed up for this are from rural areas of the United States. People think that this is something that helps people in districts like mine, which are in very populated and very dense urban centers, but the fact is that [muchos] Republican constituencies are benefiting from this,” Texas Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey told CNN.
“And then you would think they would really want to step up for their own people. “They are not doing it and it is frustrating because, as a result, all districts are suffering because of it,” the legislator added.
The loss of the ACP not only affects access to essential services such as telemedicine, online education and digital social participation, but could also have long-term economic consequences, reducing the ability of millions to contribute and participate fully in an economy. increasingly digitalized.
The situation calls for urgent reflection on political priorities and the need to find sustainable solutions to ensure equity in internet access in the United States.
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