As of June 1, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has officially ended due to the exhaustion of the initial $14.2 billion funding provided by Congress. This program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, helped millions of households afford their internet service. With the conclusion of the ACP, many households are left wondering how to manage their internet costs without the subsidy. Here’s how you can stay connected and negotiate a better deal with your internet provider.
Understanding the End of the ACP
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that April 2024 was the last month for the full ACP discount, with a partial discount available in May 2024 for some households. Starting June 1, 2024, no further discounts will be provided under the ACP.
Remaining Consumer Protections
Even though the ACP has ended, certain consumer protections remain in place:
– Termination of Service: Internet companies cannot terminate ACP-supported service for non-payment until 90 days after the due date. They can switch you to a lower-cost plan with advance notice if your account is delinquent.
– Early Termination Fees: If you entered a service contract with your ACP discount, your provider cannot charge you an early termination fee for canceling that contract early, even after the ACP ends.
Steps to Negotiate Your Internet Bill:
- Check for Lower-Cost Plans:
– Contact your internet service provider (ISP) and ask if they offer lower-cost plans or low-income programs. Be sure to have your account and billing information ready when you call.
- Leverage Competitor Offers:
– Research offers from competing ISPs in your area. Use these offers as leverage to negotiate a better rate with your current provider.
- Discuss Your Needs:
– Be clear about your usage needs. If you don’t require high-speed internet, ask for a plan that meets your basic needs and is more affordable.
- Ask for Discounts:
– Inquire about any available discounts or promotions, such as loyalty discounts for long-term customers.
- Bundle Services:
– Sometimes bundling your internet with other services like TV or phone can reduce overall costs. Ask your provider if they have any bundling options that could save you money.
Staying Informed
To prevent loss of service or unexpected charges, regularly check your emails, text messages, and mail for updates from your ISP regarding the end of the ACP and its impact on your bill.
Filing a Complaint
If you encounter issues with your billing or service post-ACP, the FCC provides a consumer complaint process. Here’s how to file a complaint:
– Online: Visit [FCC Consumer Complaint Center](https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov).
– By Phone: Call 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322).
– In Spanish: Visit the online complaint center or call 1-888-225-5322 for assistance in Spanish.
What Happens After Filing a Complaint?
– Tracking Your Complaint: You will receive email confirmation and periodic updates if your complaint is served on a provider.
– Gathering Information: An FCC representative may contact you for more details.
– Reviewing and Serving the Complaint: The FCC reviews complaints and, if necessary, serves them to the provider, who must respond within 30 days.
– Finding Solutions: The FCC can guide you on possible next steps and uses collective complaint data for investigations and consumer protection.
Conclusion
With the end of the ACP, it’s crucial to stay proactive in managing your internet service costs. By negotiating with your Internet Service Provider and staying informed, you can continue to stay connected without breaking the bank. Remember, the FCC is there to support you, and filing a complaint can help hold providers accountable and protect consumer interests.