The Biden administration announced on Friday that over a dozen internet service providers have committed to extending discounted internet plans for low-income households until the end of 2024. This move comes as the federal program supporting these discounts is set to expire.
AT&T, Comcast, Cox, Spectrum, Verizon, and nine other providers have committed to maintaining their affordable plans, priced at $30 or less, for individuals currently enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program and other eligible households.
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Other providers that are taking part in this initiative include Allo Fiber, altafiber (and Hawaiian Telcom), Astound Broadband, IdeaTek, Mediacom, MLGC, Optimum, Starry, and Vermont Telephone Company.
Starting Saturday, the Affordable Connectivity Program, which had been offering broadband discounts to over 23 million households, will cease providing benefits due to insufficient funding.
The Biden administration has once again urged Congress to pass an additional $6 billion in funding to extend the program, even though some households will continue to benefit from their existing low-cost internet plans under the newly announced agreements with providers.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel expressed her disappointment in having to end the most successful broadband affordability program in the history of the United States. She conveyed this sentiment in a letter to Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio), who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government.
According to Rosenworcel, the ACP remains highly necessary due to its consistent and reliable benefits in helping low-income households across rural, suburban, and urban America gain and maintain internet access.
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