What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program
The ACP was the largest broadband assistance effort in U.S. history, serving more than 23 million households at its peak. It provided up to $30 per month toward internet service, and up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands, plus a one-time discount toward a laptop or tablet. Congress funded it with $14.2 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but when that money ran out, lawmakers did not pass a renewal. The FCC stopped taking new enrollments in February 2024, and the program officially ended on June 1, 2024.
As of 2026, no direct federal replacement has been signed into law. That is the reality. But there are several paths forward, and combining them can bring your monthly internet bill down to a reasonable level.
The Lifeline program is still active
Lifeline predates the ACP by decades. It is a federal program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company that offers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service, with a higher benefit of up to $34.25 for eligible households on Tribal lands. The discount applies to one service at a time, so you choose either your phone bill or your internet bill.
You qualify through one of two pathways. The first is program-based eligibility: if you or a dependent in your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or certain Tribal assistance programs, you generally qualify. The second is income-based eligibility: your household income must be at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which in 2026 translates to roughly $21,000 for a single-person household and about $29,000 for a two-person household, with higher limits in Alaska and Hawaii.
Applying goes through the National Verifier at NV.FCC.gov. You submit your ID, proof of benefits or income, and the system checks your eligibility electronically. Once approved, you take your application ID to a participating provider in your area and the discount starts appearing on your bill.
State programs fill part of the gap
Some states run their own versions of internet assistance. California LifeLine, for example, recently expanded its wireless offerings with three service tiers, each supported by a $20 monthly subsidy, and households that also receive the federal $9.25 Lifeline benefit can get more than twice as much mobile data as before. The California Public Utilities Commission restructured the program in late 2026 to tie subsidy levels to current market rates rather than an outdated formula.
Several other states have similar initiatives, and local digital equity programs exist in major cities. Chicago Connected, for instance, provides no-cost high-speed internet to Chicago Public Schools students and their families. City digital equity hubs in places like Chicago also offer one-on-one tech support and device assistance. Even with federal programs reduced, state and municipal efforts are worth checking because they vary widely by region.
Low-cost provider plans are the practical workaround
Since the ACP ended, the most reliable way to get affordable internet is through low-income plans offered directly by internet service providers. These are not government subsidies, but they serve the same purpose. Many major providers offer plans in the $10 to $30 per month range with no credit check, no data caps, and no annual contract. Comcast Internet Essentials, AT&T Access, Spectrum Internet Assist, Cox Connect2Compete, and Verizon Forward are among the most widely available options, though availability depends on your address and household circumstances.
To get a clear picture of what you qualify for, check whether you already participate in a program like SNAP or Medicaid, then look at the National Verifier for Lifeline, and contact providers in your area about their low-income plans. Many families combine Lifeline with a provider discount, which can make service genuinely affordable.
What about the future of federal funding
There is movement on the infrastructure side. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program continues to fund expansion of high-speed internet into unserved areas, with states like Texas awarding over $1.2 billion in federal grant funds to serve more than 240,000 locations. That helps with availability, not monthly cost. The Digital Equity Act competitive grant program also saw partial reinstatement after a federal court ruling, which could eventually support digital skills training and device access for low-income households, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. None of this replaces the ACP discount, but it means the broader system is still being built out.
A practical comparison of current options
The table below summarizes the main paths available in 2026. Prices are monthly ranges reported by providers and vary by location and household eligibility.
| Program or Plan | Monthly Cost Range | Speed | Best For | Key Advantages | Limitations |
|---|
| Lifeline federal discount | Up to $9.25 off (more on Tribal lands) | Varies by provider | Households on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI | Long-standing, reliable, combines with state programs | One discount per household, income limit of 135% FPL |
| California LifeLine (state) | $20 subsidy tier, often $0 to consumer | Tiered data up to 20 GB+ | California residents on qualifying programs | More data, state-level protection | Only in California |
| Comcast Internet Essentials | $9.95–$29.95 | Up to 100 Mbps | Families with school-age children, Pell Grant recipients | No credit check, no data caps | Requires existing Comcast coverage area |
| AT&T Access | $5–$15 | Up to 100 Mbps | Households in AT&T footprint | Very low cost, no annual contract | Limited to AT&T service areas |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | About $25 | 50 Mbps | Seniors and low-income households | Free modem, no contracts | Eligibility screening required |
| Cox Connect2Compete / ConnectAssist | $9.95–$30 | Up to 100 Mbps | K-12 students and low-income households | No credit check, self-install option | Varies by Cox region |
| Verizon Forward | $20–$25 | 100–300 Mbps | Households with a qualifying program member | No data caps, strong speeds | Requires eligibility verification |
| Chicago Connected (city program) | No cost | High-speed or hotspot | CPS students and families | Completely free, device support included | Only in Chicago |
Steps to get connected today
Start by checking your Lifeline eligibility through the National Verifier. Gather your government ID and a benefit award letter or recent tax return before you begin. If you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, the process moves quickly because the system can verify you automatically.
Next, search for "low income internet [your city or state]" to find provider plans available at your address. Call the providers directly rather than relying only on websites, since some deals are only offered over the phone. Ask specifically about no-contract options and whether the plan includes a modem or router.
Finally, look into your state broadband office and city digital equity programs. Many state websites list all current assistance programs, and local libraries often have staff who can help you complete applications in person. If you need a device, check whether your state's digital equity program or a local nonprofit offers refurbished computers at low cost.
Getting online in 2026 without the ACP takes a little more effort, but the combination of Lifeline, state programs, and low-cost provider plans can still get a household connected for a manageable monthly amount. Start with the National Verifier, compare what your local providers offer, and do not hesitate to ask your state broadband office what resources are available where you live.
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