Internet Connectivity Crisis: Impacts of the ACP Ending

Resources > Disability news reports Disability news reports Internet Connectivity Crisis: Impacts of the ACP Ending - Compass Disability Written by Sarah Aitchison Attorney Published April 17, 2024 1 min read Why trust us? Compass Disability offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard-trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience and has helped over 50,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.

Why trust us? Government assistance programs are a lifeline for low-income families in accessing essential services — and in our interconnected world, the internet is more essential than ever.

Our recent survey focused on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which keeps financially vulnerable Americans online for work, school, and more. This exploration shows just how important the ACP is in making the internet accessible and the potential repercussions for individuals and families as policy changes loom. Join us as we examine the impact and importance of this vital program in bridging America’s digital divide.

Key takeaways

1 in 3 low-income Americans have received the ACP discount.
After the ACP discount, low-income Americans reported spending $39 per month on their internet service.
Nearly 1 in 5 low-income Americans claim they won’t be able to afford internet service without the ACP program.
15% of low-income Americans plan to rely on public Wi-Fi when the ACP ends.

Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 1,001 low-income household members in the U.S. about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Each respondent reported a household income below $72,000.

About Compass Disability

Compass Disability is a public-interest law firm that helps people in a crisis access the financial systems built to protect them. Our team has helped thousands claim workers' compensation and disability benefits — at no upfront cost.

Fair use statement

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Sarah Aitchison

Attorney

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