The termination of the Affordable Connectivity Program has left many military families facing increased internet bills. Nearly half of all ACP recipients were military families, meaning more than 10 million veterans, service members, and their families saw their internet bills increase in June. “If the program ends, then some Veterans will have to pay $30 to $75 more for access to the internet every month — and others may lose access to the internet entirely,” Department of Veterans Affairs Press Secretary Terrence Hayes said in May.
“That’s unacceptable, especially at a time when telehealth has become such an important tool.”
Video-based telehealth visits now account for nearly 12% of outpatient care among veterans, marking a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. Another study determined that the monthly cost of internet subscription was a key barrier to broadband adoption for veterans. The end of the ACP will have significant ripple effects on the well-being of the military community.
While no single program can replace the $30 to $75 monthly discount that the ACP offered, several other options are available to military families, including discounts from internet providers and other government subsidies. Many internet providers offer discounts for military families:
Rise Broadband: Active and retired military members can get 10% off monthly internet services from Rise Broadband, which primarily offers fixed wireless internet service in rural areas. Plans range from $25 to $100 monthly.
Starlink: While Starlink doesn’t officially offer a military discount, military families can use a Home Depot discount to get 10% off Starlink’s $599 satellite dish. Starlink’s monthly prices are $120, making it a valid option in rural areas without other high-speed internet providers.
Internet discounts and options for military
Verizon Fios: Offers savings for military members, including $5 off per month on 300Mbps, $10 off per month on 500Mbps, and $15 off per month on Gigabit Connection. Additional benefits include a $180 virtual prepaid card, a subscription to Peacock Premium, and a free Xfinity Mobile cellphone line for a year. Eligibility extends to active and reserve military members, retired military, veterans, spouses, or family members living in the same house.
At the time of writing, some providers currently don’t offer any discounts on internet service for military members. In addition to the programs listed above, other resources are worth investigating, such as the Lifeline program, which offers significant ACP replacements. Lifeline has stricter income requirements than the ACP, with an annual income threshold of 135% of federal poverty guidelines (or $42,120 for a family of four).
The benefit is $9.25 monthly and can be used on home internet or cellphone plans. Additionally, state or city resources may be available to help keep military families connected. It’s beneficial to check with local authorities for any support programs that could offer additional assistance.
The end of the ACP poses a significant challenge to military families already struggling with internet costs. However, various options and discounts can still provide some relief. By exploring different providers and resources, veterans and active military members can find ways to stay connected and continue to access vital online services.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
