The ACP Has Ended; So Too Does Affordable Internet for Millions of Americans, Says OTI

In response to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ending on June 1, the Open Technology Institute (OTI), a New America program fostering equitable access to digital technology and its benefits, issued the following statement from Lilian Coral, Head of OTI and Vice President for Technology and Democracy programs at New America.

The internet plays an essential role in Americans’ lives, so it is disheartening to see the end of a program that’s helped millions of low-income U.S. households get online. The Affordable Connectivity Program was not only key to closing the U.S. digital divide, it was a major driver in helping ensure that every American could reap the benefits of digital innovation.

Without the ACP, many American families will miss out on the opportunities presented by the internet. They will be excluded from accessing AI-enabled tools, which require access to a fast internet connection. They will be left behind as the United States continues to digitize its public services—from opportunities to file taxes for free to applying for SNAP virtually.

We hope Congress will take action soon to ensure affordable, quality internet for the Americans who relied on the ACP to get online.