The Affordable Connectivity Program provides free and low-cost internet access to 23 million American households, with nearly half of the users being military families and veterans, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — A $14 billion internet subsidy program used by millions of veterans and their families will end June 1 unless lawmakers vote for its renewal.
That message was delivered by officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Communications Commission at a news conference Tuesday to discuss the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which subsidizes broadband service for households that meet income eligibility guidelines.
The program has been key to lowering the cost of internet service for American families on low incomes, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said.
Monthly internet discounts ranging from $30 to $75 per household benefit more than 23 million American households, with nearly half of those users military families and veterans, he said.
“But without action from Congress in the coming weeks, funding for the program will run out, and tens of millions of Americans will lose access to this benefit,” McDonough said.
The program also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a computer or tablet for qualifying households.
A bill before both chambers of Congress has bipartisan support for renewing the program in fiscal 2025. More than 200 lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors.
“Veterans depend on the discounted internet service for school, jobs, health care consults and to stay connected with families,” McDonough said.
More than 2.4 million veterans, for example, rely on telehealth for at least a part of their medical care, he said, referring to remote health care services provided via an internet hookup.
Veterans also rely on telehealth when homebound due to a serious illness or infirmity, McDonough said.
“Many of those veterans could not have accessed their health care without internet connection,” he said.
FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said the program began under the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which funded roads, bridges, broadband and other services for U.S. communities.
The Affordable Connectivity Program has provided low cost and free internet for eligible Americans receiving veterans pensions and disability compensation, as well as Medicaid coverage and other government benefits, he said.
More than 23 million households receive the discounted internet service, but the program stopped accepting new signups in February because its funding was scheduled to end. The program is fully funded through April and only partially funded in May.
“Enrollees just got their third notice that the program is ending, and they will have to pay for all the costs out of pocket,” Starks said.
