From Money Magazine:

The federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program for free or discounted broadband is closing applications next week due to a lack of funding. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act created the ACP in 2021 to expand internet access for low-income Americans, with the program subsidizing monthly internet bills by up to $30.
22 million Americans have signed up so far, but the program’s $14.2 billion budget is running dry. The FCC estimates funds will run out by April, potentially raising internet bills for participants by up to $30 per month. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced an extension that seeks to infuse the ACP with $7 billion.
The ACP program has had low adoption rates, with only 43% of eligible Americans signing up nationally. Some states, like North Dakota, have adoption rates as low as 14%. The application process has been marked by stringent qualifications and a lengthy process, which has been identified as a barrier to greater adoption. The program’s future hinges on new funding from Congress, but the uncertainly has caused some to question whether it’s worth the effort.



Read more: The Government’s Free Internet Program Is Winding Down