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The Affordable Connectivity Program helped millions of low-income households pay for home internet and mobile broadband. However, the program is no longer accepting applications or providing monthly discounts. It stopped enrolling new applicants in February 2024 and officially ended after its federal funding ran out.
So, how long did the Affordable Connectivity Program last, and is it coming back? The ACP operated from December 31, 2021, through May 2024. As of August 2026, Congress has not approved the funding required to restart it. This guide explains what happened, what former participants should check, and which affordable internet alternatives are currently available.
Did the Affordable Connectivity Program End?
Yes. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024, because its original funding was depleted and Congress did not provide additional money.
The last month in which households received the full ACP benefit was April 2024. Some participating providers offered a smaller partial discount in May 2024. After that, the FCC stopped reimbursing internet companies for ACP service and connected-device benefits.
There is currently no official ACP application, benefit transfer, recertification, or new enrollment process. Websites that still tell consumers to apply for the $30 or $75 ACP discount contain outdated information.
The FCC’s official ACP page confirms that the program has ended.
What Was the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program was a temporary federal broadband affordability program administered by the Federal Communications Commission. It replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021.
While active, the program offered qualifying households:
- Up to $30 per month toward eligible internet service
- Up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 on an eligible laptop, desktop computer, or tablet
- The option to apply the benefit to qualifying home or mobile broadband service
The connected-device benefit did not guarantee a completely free tablet. Participating households generally had to contribute more than $10 but less than $50 toward the device. Consumers looking for current device assistance should carefully review the requirements in our guide to getting a free or discounted tablet with EBT.
More than 23 million households had enrolled in ACP before enrollment closed, according to the FCC. This included families in urban, suburban, rural, and Tribal communities.
Why Did the Affordable Connectivity Program End?
Congress originally allocated approximately $14.2 billion to fund ACP through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. However, it did not establish permanent yearly funding for the program.
As enrollment increased, the remaining money was no longer sufficient to continue paying full monthly benefits. The FCC began winding down the program in early 2024 while asking internet providers to notify participating households that their discounts would end.
Additional funding proposals were introduced, but none provided the money necessary to restart ACP. Therefore, the program ended because of exhausted funding not because participants suddenly became ineligible or no longer needed affordable internet.
Affordable Connectivity Program Ending Timeline
The most important dates include:
- December 31, 2021: ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
- February 7, 2024: The program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments.
- April 2024: Participants received their final fully funded monthly benefit.
- May 2024: Some providers applied a smaller partial ACP benefit.
- June 1, 2024: ACP officially ended.
- August 2026: No new ACP funding or official application process is available.
For May 2024, the maximum federal reimbursement was $14 for standard service, $35 for service on qualifying Tribal lands, and $47 for an eligible connected device. These were temporary partial amounts rather than new permanent benefit levels. The amounts appear in the FCC’s final partial reimbursement notice.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program Coming Back?
It is possible that Congress could create or fund another broadband affordability program in the future. However, as of August 2026, there is no approved ACP restart date and no active application portal.
Consumers should be careful with articles or advertisements claiming that ACP has already returned. A proposed bill, political statement, or funding request does not create an active benefit. The FCC would need to announce a new enrollment process before households could apply again.
If ACP or a replacement program receives funding, the FCC will publish the official eligibility rules, application instructions, participating providers, and starting date.
What Happened to Internet Bills After ACP Ended?
When the federal discount ended, participating providers were allowed to charge their standard rate to customers who continued using the service. Some companies offered temporary credits or moved qualifying households to their own low-income internet programs.
Former ACP participants should check:
- The current monthly price of their internet plan
- Whether equipment, modem, or router fees were added
- Whether a provider-specific discount is still active
- Whether AutoPay is charging an undiscounted amount
- Whether a slower and less expensive plan is available
- Whether they qualify for Lifeline or another assistance program
Do not assume an old ACP discount is still included. Contact the provider and request a complete explanation of the bill before changing or cancelling service.
When comparing cable, fiber, DSL, or fixed wireless service, our Frontier vs Xfinity comparison, Spectrum vs Frontier guide, and CenturyLink vs Xfinity review can help you understand the differences between major providers.
Can You Still Apply for ACP in 2026?
No. Consumers cannot submit a new ACP application, transfer an ACP benefit, or receive the former monthly discount in 2026.
Do not provide your Social Security number, government-benefit documents, or identification to a website claiming to process new ACP applications. Although many providers still maintain informational pages about the former program, they cannot approve a new federal ACP benefit.
You should apply directly through an active assistance program or the official website of a provider offering its own low-income plan.
Best Alternatives to ACP in 2026
The end of ACP does not mean every affordable internet option has disappeared. Several federal and provider-funded alternatives remain available.
1. Apply for the Lifeline Program
Lifeline is an active federal program that reduces the monthly cost of qualifying phone or internet service. Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month, while qualifying households on Tribal lands may receive up to $34.25 per month.
A household may qualify through income or participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or certain Tribal programs.
Unlike the former ACP income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, federal Lifeline generally uses a limit of 135%. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Learn more through the official Lifeline Support website and our comparison of the differences between ACP and Lifeline.
Wireless options vary by state. Our guides to Lifeline providers with phone offers, Access Wireless vs SafeLink, and TAG Mobile reviews can help you compare active providers. Device promotions are offered by individual companies and are not guaranteed by the federal government.
2. Check Provider-Specific Low-Income Internet Plans
Several major internet providers maintain their own affordability programs independently of ACP.
| Program | Current General Offer |
|---|---|
| Xfinity Internet Essentials | Qualifying households can receive up to 75Mbps for $14.95 per month or up to 100Mbps for $29.95 per month. |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | Generally costs $25 per month, while some qualifying households may receive an additional discount that reduces the price to $15. |
| Access from AT&T | Provides reduced-cost internet, free installation, and in-home Wi-Fi for eligible households; price and speed vary by address. |
| Verizon Forward | Qualifying customers may receive eligible home internet service for as low as $20 per month. |
Prices, speeds, taxes, equipment terms, and availability can change by location. Confirm the complete monthly cost before enrolling.
3. Compare Lower-Cost Prepaid Mobile Plans
If you mainly need internet on a smartphone, a low-cost prepaid carrier may be more affordable than maintaining separate home internet and wireless bills.
Prepaid and MVNO plans may have lower monthly prices, but check their high-speed data allowance, hotspot support, coverage, throttling rules, and taxes. Our Red Pocket vs Cricket Wireless comparison covers two options worth comparing.
A mobile plan is not always a practical replacement for home internet, particularly for households that stream frequently, attend online classes, work remotely, or connect multiple devices.
4. Look for State and Local Assistance
Some states, cities, housing authorities, schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations offer discounted broadband, public Wi-Fi, hotspot lending, or digital-equity programs.
Availability varies significantly, so check with:
- Your state public utility commission
- Local housing authority
- Public library
- School district
- Tribal government
- Community action agency
- Internet provider serving your address
These programs are separate from ACP and may have different income or program-participation requirements.
ACP vs Lifeline: What Is the Difference Now?
| Feature | Affordable Connectivity Program | Lifeline |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Ended June 1, 2024 | Active |
| Standard monthly benefit | Formerly up to $30 | Up to $9.25 |
| Tribal Lands benefit | Formerly up to $75 | Up to $34.25 |
| Income limit | Formerly 200% of poverty guidelines | Generally 135% |
| Supported service | Broadband service | Phone or internet service |
| Device benefit | Formerly up to $100 | No guaranteed federal device benefit |
| New applications | Not available | Available |
Lifeline provides a smaller discount, but it is currently the main nationwide federal option for qualifying households seeking help with phone or internet service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Affordable Connectivity Program end?
ACP officially ended on June 1, 2024. April 2024 was the last fully funded service month, followed by a partial benefit for some households in May.
Can I apply for the $30 ACP discount in 2026?
No. New applications and enrollments are not available. Any website currently promising guaranteed ACP approval should be treated cautiously.
Did ACP end because I lost eligibility?
No. The nationwide program ended because its allocated federal funding ran out. Individual eligibility was not the reason for the program-wide closure.
Will ACP return?
Congress could fund ACP or create another broadband assistance program. However, no official restart date or new application process exists as of August 2026.
Can I receive both ACP and Lifeline now?
No. ACP is no longer active. Eligible consumers can apply for Lifeline and may also qualify for a separate discount offered directly by their internet provider.
Can I still get a free tablet through ACP?
No. The former connected-device discount ended with ACP. Some Lifeline providers, nonprofits, schools, or internet companies may offer separate device promotions, but these are not current ACP benefits.
What is the best replacement for ACP?
Start by checking Lifeline eligibility. Then compare Internet Essentials, Spectrum Internet Assist, Access from AT&T, Verizon Forward, and any local affordability programs available at your address.
Final Thoughts
The Affordable Connectivity Program lasted from late 2021 until its funding was exhausted in 2024. It stopped accepting new applications on February 7, provided its final full benefit in April, and officially ended on June 1, 2024. Despite proposals to continue it, no new federal ACP funding or application process is available in 2026.
Former participants should review their current internet bills, ask providers about low-income plans, and check Lifeline eligibility. The replacement options generally offer smaller discounts or stricter eligibility requirements, but comparing several programs can still significantly reduce the cost of staying connected.