June 21, 2023
Among heads of households in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) nationwide, almost 45 percent are age 50 and older — more than 7.6 million. That’s more than double the number that were enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which signed up eligible households from May 12, 2021 through December 31, 2021. The ACP was launched at the beginning of 2022.
As of May 1, 2023 (the latest figures available), the number of adults 85 and older participating in the ACP was nearly 270,000. Since the ACP and EBB subsidies began, the percentage of the oldest adults in the program has been gradually rising past one percent, and the number of subscribers 85 and older has more than tripled since the end of 2021.
According to the most recently released data, more than 95 percent of participants in the Affordable Connectivity Program also qualified for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the federal government’s largest program targeted at fighting hunger and food insecurity. Almost 90 percent qualified for Medicaid, which provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
Without additional funding from Congress, money for the Affordable Connectivity Program is expected to run out next year in 2024.