The ACP Ended — Here's How to Get Affordable Internet in 2026

What Was the ACP?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was an FCC program that provided a $30/month discount on internet service (or $75/month for tribal lands) to qualifying low-income households. At its peak, over 23 million households participated — making it the largest broadband affordability program in US history.

Congress did not renew the program's funding, and it officially ended in June 2024.

What Replaced It?

As of 2026, there is no direct federal replacement for the ACP at the same scale. However, several alternatives exist:

1. Lifeline Program (Still Active)

The FCC's Lifeline program provides a $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service. While much smaller than ACP's $30 discount, it's still available to qualifying households.

• Eligibility: Income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, or Veterans Pension
• Apply at: checklifeline.org or lifelinesupport.org

2. ISP Low-Income Programs

Many internet providers created or expanded their own low-income programs after ACP ended:

• Xfinity Internet Essentials: $9.95/mo for 50 Mbps
• AT&T Access: $5-10/mo for low-income households
• Spectrum Internet Assist: $17.99/mo for 30 Mbps

3. State Programs

Some states have created their own broadband subsidy programs. Check with your state's broadband office for local options.

Frontier's Approach to Affordability

While Frontier doesn't have a dedicated low-income program like some competitors, their pricing is inherently competitive:

How to Reduce Your Internet Bill

Whether or not you used the ACP, here are practical strategies to keep costs down:

Right-Size Your Plan

Don't pay for speed you don't need. A single person or couple who streams and browses does not need 1 Gig. The Fiber 500 plan at $29.99/mo is genuinely sufficient for basic use.

Enable Auto Pay

Frontier's advertised prices include the Auto Pay discount. Make sure you're enrolled to get the lowest rate.

Drop Equipment Rentals

If you're with a provider that charges for router rental ($10-15/mo), switch to one that includes equipment — like Frontier.

Check for Sign-Up Bonuses

Frontier offers Visa Reward Cards up to $200 for new customers. This effectively reduces your first-year cost by $200.

Will ACP Come Back?

As of 2026, several bills have been proposed to restore ACP funding, but none have been passed. The FCC continues to advocate for program renewal, and bipartisan support exists in Congress. We'll update this article if the program is reinstated.