KENNETT SQUARE, PA — A new survey from the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) highlights the struggles faced by low-income Americans following the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The survey, which received over 68,000 responses and nearly 30,000 personal testimonies, emphasizes the financial hardships and connectivity gaps experienced by millions as they attempt to stay online without essential broadband subsidies.
Key findings reveal that the loss of ACP benefits has forced 40% of respondents to reduce food expenses to afford internet access, while 36% discontinued telehealth services. Overall, 64% reported losing the ability to maintain regular contact with loved ones. The lapse has also created obstacles for adults seeking work and children trying to complete homework, with 20% unable to work remotely or pick up shift work and a similar percentage reporting issues with school assignments.
ACP and Lifeline benefits remain a vital lifeline for struggling households. According to the survey, at least 80% of participants live at or below the poverty line, and 72% would be unable to afford internet service without these supports. Additionally, one-third are homeless or in temporary housing, and more than half are older Americans.
“This is about more than just internet access,” said David B. Dorwart, Chairman of the NaLA Board. “Lifeline and the ACP bring affordable internet and phone service to the communities who need it most for everything from telehealth to school to staying connected with loved ones.”
Respondents overwhelmingly expressed the importance of no co-pay plans, with nearly 95% stating they couldn’t afford to contribute additional payments toward monthly service. Many rely on benefits to access healthcare, pursue education, apply for jobs, and connect to critical government services. Yet, 78% lack steady mobile or internet access, with many resorting to public Wi-Fi, shared devices, or going completely offline in the absence of ACP benefits.
Mobile data has become a necessity for low-income households, with 85% of consumers depending on it for their daily needs. Despite this, fewer than 15% have access to unlimited data plans, forcing more than 80% to ration their usage due to budget constraints.
Dorwart expressed urgency for legislative action, saying, “I have read thousands of heartbreaking testimonies from consumers since ACP funding ran out. Lawmakers must refund the ACP and fix the Universal Service Fund’s Lifeline program to ensure all American households have affordable access to essential communications.”
The NaLA survey shines a light on the critical role of Lifeline and ACP programs in bridging the digital divide and calls for swift policy changes to prevent further harm to vulnerable populations.
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