What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program
If you were one of the 23 million households that received the monthly $30 internet subsidy through the ACP, you already know the program ended. Congress did not approve additional funding, so the last fully funded month was May 2024, and discounts stopped after June 1, 2024. No new applications are being accepted, and no nationwide replacement with the same benefit has been signed into law.
That said, this is not the first time a federal connectivity program has ended, and it will not be the last. The digital divide existed before the ACP, and state governments, providers, and nonprofit groups have built their own safety nets. If you act now, you can still find genuinely affordable plans, especially in states like California, New York, and Texas where local broadband offices run their own assistance programs.
The Lifeline Program Is Still Active
The most important official option is Lifeline, a federal program that helps low-income households pay for phone or internet service. It survived the ACP's collapse and continues to accept new applicants.
Eligibility is based on two paths. You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you participate in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Tribal lands residents can also qualify through additional programs.
The benefit provides up to $9.25 per month toward internet or phone service, with a higher subsidy of up to $34.25 per month on Tribal lands. It is not a huge credit, but paired with a low-income plan from a major provider, it can reduce a typical monthly bill to a very manageable level. You can apply online through the National Verifier at the Universal Service Administrative Company website, by mail, or through a participating provider. You will need to prove identity, address, and income, so have documents like a driver's license, tax return, or benefit award letter ready.
Provider Low-Income Plans: The Most Practical Route
If Lifeline alone does not cover your needs, nearly every major internet provider offers its own discounted plan for qualifying households. These plans exist independently of the ACP and have continued without interruption.
Comcast Internet Essentials offers affordable home internet for households that participate in public assistance programs or qualify for the National School Lunch Program. The plan includes a router and has historically been priced to be accessible, with no contract required. AT&T Access provides low-cost internet for households receiving SNAP or Supplemental Security Income, with a speed tier suitable for basic streaming and remote work. Spectrum Internet Assist serves qualifying households with discounted service and free modem rental, aimed at seniors, veterans, and families with children in the school lunch program. T-Mobile and Verizon also offer discounted 5G home internet plans for Lifeline-eligible customers in many markets.
Each plan has different eligibility rules, so check directly with your provider. The application usually takes less than ten minutes online, and you will need to upload proof of program participation or income.
State and Local Programs Fill the Gap
Some states run their own broadband assistance programs that work alongside federal options. California offers the strongest example. In October 2026, the California Public Utilities Commission approved updates to the California LifeLine Program that more than double the wireless data allowance for participating households. Qualifying households that receive both the federal and state Lifeline benefits will now receive over 12.5 GB of monthly data, with the option of up to 24.5 GB depending on their provider. That is a significant upgrade for families who rely on mobile hotspots for school and work.
Other states, including New York, Massachusetts, and Washington, operate similar programs through their public utility commissions. The best way to find yours is to search for your state's broadband office or utility commission website, then look for terms like "Lifeline," "affordable internet," or "digital equity." Many of these offices also publish maps of free public Wi-Fi locations and community technology centers.
Libraries, Schools, and Nonprofits: The Forgotten Resources
Not every solution comes with a monthly bill. Public libraries across the country lend Wi-Fi hotspots for weeks at a time, and many have computers available for job applications and telehealth appointments. Schools participate in the federal E-Rate program, which can provide discounted or free connectivity for students who lack internet at home. Some school districts also lend devices alongside hotspots, so ask your child's school about technology loan programs.
Nonprofit organizations in major cities run refurbished device programs, providing low-cost laptops and tablets to households in need. Organizations like PCs for People and Human-I-T accept donations, refurbish the devices, and sell them at prices that are significantly lower than retail. Pair one of these devices with a discounted home internet plan, and you have a full setup at a fraction of the typical cost.
New Private Programs Are Emerging
The market has responded to the ACP's end. In September 2026, U-wifi announced a strategic program with T-Mobile to expand affordable internet access nationwide, with a consumer launch planned for October 1, 2026. The program targets households most impacted by the ACP's expiration, including low-income families, students, seniors, veterans, and SNAP participants. It combines T-Mobile's 5G network with ad-supported technology that lets subscribers reduce their monthly bill through voluntary engagement. This is one example of a broader trend: private companies are stepping in where federal funding stopped.
These programs are new, so verify current availability and eligibility directly with the provider before relying on them.
Comparison of Current Options
| Program | Type | Monthly Benefit | Best For | Main Advantage | Watch Out For |
|---|
| Lifeline | Federal | Up to $9.25 (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands) | Households on Medicaid, SNAP, or low income | Nationwide, accepts new applicants | Credit is modest; must pair with a low-cost plan |
| Comcast Internet Essentials | Provider | Discounted home internet | Families in school lunch programs | No contract, router included | Availability depends on service area |
| AT&T Access | Provider | Discounted internet | SNAP and SSI households | Straightforward eligibility | Speed tier varies by location |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | Provider | Discounted service, free modem | Seniors and families | No modem rental fee | Requires proof of eligibility |
| California LifeLine | State + Federal | 12.5–24.5 GB monthly data | California households | Doubled data allowance as of 2026 | California residents only |
| U-wifi / T-Mobile program | Private | Variable discounts | Households hurt by ACP end | Ad-supported bill reduction | New program, verify availability |
A Practical Action Plan
Start with the most reliable option. Apply for Lifeline first through the National Verifier, because federal eligibility often unlocks state and provider benefits. While that processes, call your current internet provider and ask specifically about low-income plans. Do not accept the first answer; ask to speak with a representative who handles government assistance programs.
Next, check your state's broadband office website. Search for your state name plus "broadband assistance" or "digital equity program." If you live in California, look into the updated California LifeLine rules and confirm which participating providers offer the higher data tiers.
Then, visit your local library. Ask about hotspot lending, computer access, and any digital navigator programs that help people apply for benefits in person. Many libraries now employ staff trained specifically to help residents enroll in Lifeline and provider discount plans.
Finally, if you have school-aged children, contact their school's technology coordinator. Districts participating in E-Rate often have connectivity support, and many can connect you with refurbished device programs.
One caution: the end of the ACP has attracted scam websites that promise to "restore" the program or check your application status. No such system exists. Never enter your Social Security number or benefit documents on a random website. If an offer sounds too easy, verify it against fcc.gov, usac.org, or your state's official broadband office before sharing any personal information.
Internet access is no longer optional; it is how people work, learn, see a doctor, and stay in touch with family. Even without the ACP, the combination of Lifeline, provider plans, state programs, and community resources can keep you connected. The programs are fragmented and take a little effort to find, but that effort is worth it. Start with Lifeline today, check your provider's low-income options this week, and you will likely find a solution that fits both your budget and your life.
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