February 19, 2024 - The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) reports the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting 
new applications and enrollments as of February 8th. The ACP was established in 2021 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help ensure that households can afford broadband by providing a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Unless Congress provides additional funding, April is projected to be the last month that enrolled households will receive the full benefit.
All households enrolled in the ACP at the time of the enrollment freeze will remain enrolled through the final month of ACP service, unless they are required to be de-enrolled under Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules. Households that are de-enrolled may not re-apply or re-enroll during the enrollment freeze.
ACP-enrolled households are urged to review written notices about the ACP-wind-down from their internet company and the ACP administrator, Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to understand how the end of the ACP will affect their internet service and bill. To see enrollment percentages in California counties, click here.
For more information and updates, visit the Affordable Connectivity website and view the available resources, including the ACP Wind-Down Fact Sheet | FAQ’s | Webinar Video | PowerPoint Slides (PDF).
To learn about the FCC Lifeline Program and qualification requirements, see here.
ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-seven member county strong service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Source: RCRC
