Cable Broadband Is Committed to Helping Customers as ACP Set to Sunset

Unless Congress acts, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is set to run out of funds this month. When that happens, millions of Americans could lose their internet and access to critical services like healthcare, education, and job opportunities. With the future of the program up in the air, America's cable broadband providers remain committed to their longstanding efforts to close the digital divide.

Why it matters: To date, ACP has helped connect over 23 million Americans across rural and urban areas, a significant step forward in the nation's mission to connect every American.

• With ACP's future uncertain, cable broadband leaders are meeting the moment, as Charter, Comcast, and Cox are extending a $14 credit to ACP customers' statements for May, with the hope that Congress is close to reauthorizing the program that so many have come to depend on.

ACP shown to have big impact

At the end of last year, the FCC conducted a survey of ACP recipients to better understand how the end of the program could impact those who rely on it.

• Before ACP, 68% of recipients said they had inconsistent or no internet access at all.
• Of that group, 80% cited cost as their main barrier to adoption.
• This is on top of low-cost broadband adoption programs offered by many cable ISPs, which provide high-speed internet for a reduced cost to those who qualify.
  • When combined with these programs, ACP allows people to get connected at no additional cost.

A longstanding commitment to closing the digital divide

For well over a decade, cable broadband providers have offered low-cost broadband adoption programs - some plans priced at just $10 a month - that helped connect over 10 million Americans well before ACP was implemented.

These adoption programs are just one way broadband providers help to close the digital divide.

• Cable providers also offer free digital literacy programs, helping participants learn the skills necessary to make the most of their connections.
• The cost of a laptop or tablet can also be a barrier to adoption, which is why broadband providers have delivered over 220,000 heavily discounted devices to low-income households, in addition to donating devices to communities around the country.
• Individuals, whether or not they're customers, can access Comcast's 1,250 Wi-Fi-connected Lift Zones across the country. Lift Zones provide free internet access in neighborhood locations like nonprofits, community centers, gyms, and parks and recreation facilities.

ACP provides critical connections

In 2024, losing connection to the internet has serious implications for every member of a family. According to the FCC's survey from December:

• 72% said they use their ACP-funded service to schedule or attend healthcare appointments.
• 48% said they work or apply for jobs.
• 75% of respondents aged 18-24 reported that the program allows them to do their schoolwork.
• Without ACP, 77% said the end of the program would make them change plans or drop internet access entirely.

The success of ACP is clear - it brings certainty and connectivity to families that need it the most. The cable broadband industry is doing its part to help keep these critical connections afloat, but closing the digital divide is a big task that requires many stakeholders to be successful.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.