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White House Reveals New Plan for Low-Cost Internet

Biden Administration working with 20 different ISPs

By Cesar Cadenas Cesar Cadenas Writer California State University - Long Beach Cesar Cadenas has been writing about the tech industry since 2016 on a variety of topics like cryptocurrency, video games, the latest gadgets, and much more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on May 9, 2022 12:41PM EDT Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming The Biden-Harris Administration revealed details of its Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to provide a low-cost internet service to million of families across the US. The ACP is a part of the larger Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will reduce participants' internet bill by up to $30 a month, or $75 to those who live on Tribal lands. To make this program possible, the White House is working with the biggest ISPs, who cover more than 80 percent of the American population, to either reduce prices or increase connections speeds. Maskot/Getty Images The ACP is slated to offer download speeds of at least 100 Mbps, which the Administration states is enough for a "...family of four to work from home, do schoolwork, browse the web, and stream high-definition shows and movies." Some providers are already implementing these changes. Spectrum, for example, is doubling the speed of its $30 a month plan from 50 Mbps to 100. And ISPs are also being asked to have these plans with no extra fees or data caps. Other providers participating in the ACP include AT&T, Comcast, and some public utility companies like the Jackson Energy Authority. Certain cities and states, like Michigan, will send out text messages to eligible households informing them of the program. Hispanolistic/Getty Images To qualify, you must be in a public assistance program, like Medicaid, or meet the criteria ISPs have for low-income internet. You can check out GetInternet.gov to see if you qualify for the ACP, which will also provide steps on how to join. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire T-Mobile 5G: When & Where You Can Get It The 7 Best Senior Cell Phone Plans of 2022 The 8 Best Ways to Get Free and Legal Internet at Home Without Paying Internet Speed Test Sites (Last Updated October 2022) The Best Free and Public DNS Servers (October 2022) The 9 Best Internet Service Providers of 2022 Where Is 5G Available in the US? (Updated for 2022) The 7 Best Family Cell Phone Plans of 2022 What Is Bandwidth Throttling? Why Does Anyone Do It? Verizon 5G: When & Where You Can Get It The 7 Best Cheap Cell Phone Plans of 2022 8 Best Places to Get Free Nook Books for Your E-Reader 5G: The Latest News & Updates (October 2022) How to Turn On Low Data Mode on Your iPhone The 7 Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans of 2022 What Is a Good Download Speed and Upload Speed? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies