The Landscape After the Affordable Connectivity Program
If you had been relying on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for your monthly internet discount, you likely noticed a significant change. The ACP, which provided a monthly broadband subsidy to eligible low-income households, ended its fully funded period in May 2024, and the discount stopped after June 1 of that year. Congress did not approve additional funding, and as of 2026, there is no official nationwide replacement that restores the same monthly benefit or connected-device discount.
This has left a real gap. Households that qualified through programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or income thresholds suddenly found their bills jumping back to full price. Many families with school-age children, remote workers, and seniors managing telehealth appointments were forced to make hard choices between groceries and connectivity.
That said, the picture is not entirely bleak. The federal Lifeline program remains active and continues to help millions of households reduce their phone or internet costs. Individual internet providers also stepped up with their own low-income plans, and several states launched or expanded broadband assistance programs using federal infrastructure funding. The key is knowing where to look and how to qualify.
Lifeline: The Federal Program That Still Works
Lifeline is the longest-running federal program for communication services, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the direction of the FCC. It provides a monthly discount on either phone service or internet service — one service per household, not per person.
Qualifying households can receive a discount of at least $5.25 per month on their eligible service. Those living on federally recognized Tribal lands may qualify for an additional discount of up to $25 per month, which can make a meaningful difference for rural and Tribal communities where internet options are already limited.
You qualify for Lifeline in one of two ways. First, your household income can be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Second, you or someone in your household participates in a qualifying federal assistance program, including Medicaid (note that Medicare alone does not qualify), SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal-specific programs.
Applying is straightforward. Most people can apply online through the National Verifier at the USAC website. Some states, including Texas and Oregon, have their own application processes, and you can check with your state's public utility commission or broadband office for local instructions. After approval, you contact participating providers to enroll your Lifeline benefit.
What Internet Providers Offer on Their Own
With the ACP gone, several major internet service providers created or kept their own discounted plans for income-qualified households. These plans typically offer download speeds sufficient for browsing, email, video calls, and streaming, and they often include free installation and a free modem or router.
| Provider | Plan Name | Typical Speed | Ideal For | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|
| AT&T | Access program | Up to 100 Mbps | Households with school-age kids | No contract, no deposit, free Wi-Fi gateway | Availability varies by location; may require proof of income |
| Xfinity | Internet Essentials | Up to 100 Mbps | Families with students or seniors | Free installation, no credit check | Speed tier depends on local network |
| Spectrum | Internet Assist | 50 Mbps | Seniors and low-income households | No modem rental fee, no contract | Limited to eligible service areas |
| Verizon | Forward (Fios) | Up to 300 Mbps | Households wanting fiber | No equipment fees, free install | Requires Fios availability; income verification needed |
| Cox | ConnectAssist | 100 Mbps | Budget-conscious households | Low monthly rate, no annual contract | Speed may not suit heavy gaming or 4K streaming |
These plans share common eligibility requirements, usually participation in a federal assistance program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, or meeting a specific income threshold. Some providers also have separate plans designed for seniors or college students, so it is worth asking about every option when you call.
State and Local Broadband Programs
Beyond the federal level, states have been investing heavily in broadband infrastructure and adoption through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Texas, for example, was allocated up to $3.3 billion in federal funding, and in late 2025 its final proposal was approved, awarding $1.2 billion in federal grant funds plus $177 million in state matching funds to serve more than 240,000 broadband serviceable locations. Construction on those projects is expected to begin as early as summer 2026.
For households, this means two things. First, new service areas are coming online, which may finally bring affordable high-speed internet to rural communities that had few options. Second, many states operate digital inclusion programs that help households sign up for discounted plans, access refurbished devices, and receive digital skills training. Your state's broadband office, often housed within the comptroller's office, commerce department, or public utility commission, is the place to start. Many maintain searchable maps of funded projects and lists of local internet assistance programs.
Libraries, Schools, and Nonprofits
Community resources remain an underused safety net. Public libraries across the country offer free Wi-Fi, public computers, and in many cases lend Wi-Fi hotspots for weeks at a time. Some library systems partner with local nonprofits to distribute refurbished laptops and tablets to households in need.
Schools are another route, especially for families with children. Many districts provide subsidized or free internet access for students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, sometimes through partnerships with local providers. If your child's school uses a take-home device program, ask the front office or technology coordinator about internet support options.
A Practical Roadmap for Getting Connected
Start by checking your Lifeline eligibility. Visit the National Verifier through the USAC website and gather the documents you will need, such as proof of income or a benefits award letter for SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Do not pay anyone to help you apply — the application is free, and official sources never ask for your Social Security number outside the secure application portal.
Next, contact every internet provider that serves your address and ask specifically about their low-income plans. Have your eligibility documents ready. Compare not just the monthly price but also installation fees, equipment rental charges, and contract terms. A plan with a slightly higher monthly rate but no equipment fee can end up costing less overall.
Then check your state broadband office website. Look for digital inclusion programs, funded construction projects in your area, and any state-funded subsidies. Some states have their own monthly discount programs that stack with provider plans, effectively lowering your bill further.
Finally, if you still need a device, contact your local library, community action agency, or workforce development center. Many run device distribution programs, and some offer free digital skills classes that can help you make the most of your new connection.
Keeping the Connection Alive
The end of the ACP created a real challenge for millions of households, but it did not eliminate every avenue to affordable internet. Lifeline continues to provide a reliable federal discount. Providers maintain their own income-based plans. States are building out infrastructure and supporting adoption. Libraries and nonprofits fill gaps on the ground.
The best approach is to act rather than wait. Check your eligibility for Lifeline today, call your providers this week, and reach out to your state broadband office. Every household deserves a stable, affordable connection, and with a little legwork, most families can still find one that fits their budget.
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