1. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – United States (now discontinued)
Created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021), the ACP offered eligible low-income U.S. households a $30 per month discount on their internet bills (or $75 per month on Tribal lands), plus a one-time $100 discount on devices such as laptops or tablets.
Update: As of February 7, 2024, new enrollments were suspended due to a funding disruption. Currently enrolled households can retain benefits, but new applications are not being accepted.
2. Lifeline Program
It offers: Lifeline continues to offer a $9.25 per month discount on internet or phone services (or $34.25 per month on Tribal lands) for qualifying households.
How it works with other programs: Can be combined with provider-specific plans for low-income individuals, potentially resulting in $0 out-of-pocket costs for internet use.
3. Provider-Specific Internet Plans for Low-Income Individuals
Even without the ACP, several providers offer discounted plans:
Xfinity Internet Essentials: Starting at $9.95 per month for speeds up to 50 Mbps; eligibility often coincides with public assistance programs.
AT&T Access: Plan up to 100 Mbps, approximately $30 per month (can be further reduced when combined with Lifeline).
Spectrum Internet Assist and others (Cox, Verizon, T-Mobile): Offer similar discounts to qualifying low-income households.
4. State and Local Initiatives
New York – Affordable Broadband Act: Requires internet service providers (ISPs) with more than 20,000 customers to offer:
Basic Plan: 25 Mbps for up to $15 per month
Enhanced Plan: 200 Mbps for up to $20 per month
Syracuse, NY – Surge Link: Municipal broadband offering high-speed internet for $10 per month to verified low-income households.
New York City – Liberty Link Pilot: A $3.2 million initiative providing free or low-cost Wi-Fi to 2,200 low-income households in 35 affordable housing buildings in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, along with technical support.
5. Community and Nonprofit Programs
DigitalC (pilot project in Detroit): A Cleveland-based nonprofit provides free high-speed internet (up to 500 Mbps) to 450 households in Detroit public housing, funded through federal stimulus funds and aligned with Project Overcome.
EveryoneOn: Offers affordable internet plans (sometimes as low as $10 per month), discounted or free computers, and digital literacy training.
PCs for People: Provides affordable or free computers and mobile hotspots (as low as $15 per month) to qualifying households.
6. International Example: South Africa’s July 2025 Initiative
Scope: Starting in July 2025, the South African government will distribute free smartphones and monthly data to 250,000 low-income families, especially in underserved rural and urban areas.
Overview
| Location / Program | What’s Offered | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACP (U.S.) | $30–$75/month discount + $100 device voucher | Enrollment paused as of Feb 2024 |
| Lifeline (U.S.) | $9.25/month (or $34.25 on Tribal lands) | Still active; stacks with ISP plans |
| Xfinity Internet Essentials | Internet from $9.95/month | Active |
| AT&T Access | Up to 100 Mbps for ~$30/month | Active; Lifeline may reduce cost to zero |
| NY Affordable Broadband Act | 25 Mbps @ $15/mo; 200 Mbps @ $20/mo | Active since early 2025 |
| Syracuse Surge Link | High-speed for $10/month | Active under municipal broadband initiative |
| NYC Liberty Link Pilot | Free or low-cost Wi-Fi with tech support | Newly launched |
| DigitalC Detroit Pilot | 500 Mbps free internet for 450 public-housing households | Launched August 2025 |
| EveryoneOn / PCs for People | Low-cost plans, free devices, hotspots from ~$15/month | Nonprofit services available nationally |
| South Africa (July 2025) | Smartphones + data to 250,000 families | Upcoming national rollout |
Final Thoughts
Although the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the U.S. has closed enrollment, Lifeline remains a vital resource, and various initiatives, both at the provider level and at the state and community levels, continue to help low-income households stay connected. Notably, Detroit, New York, and South Africa are implementing innovative pilot projects and programs that expand digital access.
- Emergency Housing Help from Religious Charities - November 11, 2025
- Rent Vouchers from Local Housing Authorities - November 6, 2025
- Community Wildfire Defense Grant 2025 - November 5, 2025