Low-income homes in the US are giving up internet access after Congress repealed a discount programme

In the US, the termination of a low-income internet subsidy programme has led to mass disconnections of users.

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Charter Communications reported a loss of 154,000 internet subscribers in the second quarter of 2024, of which around 100,000 were Affordable Connectivity Programme (ACP) members. This programme offered a $30 per month discount, which in some cases made the internet free for consumers.

The ACP programme ended in May 2024 after Congress failed to appropriate additional funds. The Biden administration had requested $6 billion to extend the programme until December 2024, but Republicans called it "wasteful". According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 77% of households in the programme will change their plans or drop the internet altogether once the subsidies end.

Charter, which provides services under the Spectrum brand, said the loss of subscribers could have been even greater if not for customer retention offers. However, the company's CEO said customers' ability to pay for services in the long term remains in question.

Source: Arstechnica