How to Lower Your Internet Bill After the Affordable Connectivity Program Ends

As the household CFO, I’m focused on simple steps that actually save money. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024, which means the monthly ACP discount has stopped. The good news: there are still clear ways to lower your bill—without turning your home life upside down.

This walkthrough keeps things practical: check what’s available at your address, use standardized labels to compare, right‑size your speed, and line up discounts you’re eligible for. Then, if you’re staying put, call retentions with confidence.

Note: Prices and eligibility vary by location and provider. I’ll reference official sources throughout so you can click and confirm details for your situation.

Quick copy‑paste checklist

Confirm ACP’s end date and ignore “new ACP” sign‑up pitches.
See all providers and speeds at your address on the FCC map.
Open each provider’s Broadband Facts label and compare total monthly cost.
Right‑size your speed (you probably don’t need gigabit).
Check eligibility for Lifeline and ISP low‑income plans; stack where allowed.
Consider fixed‑wireless (5G home internet) if it’s cheaper with a price lock.
Cut fees: self‑install and use your own approved modem/router.
Call your provider’s retentions line with a competitor’s offer and ask for plan migration or loyalty credit.
Add a note with any promo end date so you’re ready to switch or renegotiate.

Start here: ACP ended—and scams are popping up

What happened: The ACP officially ended on June 1, 2024; monthly discounts stopped. (Source: USAC/FCC program administrator) [usac.org]
Watch for scams: The FCC warns that some websites still advertise ACP enrollments. If anyone tries to sign you up for ACP now, don’t engage—file a complaint. [consumercomplaints.fcc.gov]

Why this matters: It keeps you from chasing discounts that no longer exist, so you can focus on options that do.

See every real option at your address

Use the FCC National Broadband Map’s instructions to view available providers and speeds for your home. You can also learn how to challenge availability if a listing looks wrong. [help.bdc.fcc.gov]

Why this matters: You’ll surface new providers (including 5G home internet) before negotiating or switching.

Compare apples to apples with Broadband Facts labels

Large ISPs must show standardized “Broadband Facts” labels at the point of sale since April 10, 2024. Labels disclose price, fees, intro rates, speeds, and data caps. [arstechnica.com]

What to check on each label:

Intro price vs. after‑promo price
Equipment fees (router/modem), data caps, and overage charges
Contract length and early termination fees (if any)

Right‑size your speed

Context: The FCC updated its broadband benchmark to 100/20 Mbps in 2024. Many households don’t need gigabit plans for typical use. [arstechnica.com]
Action: If your label shows much higher speeds at a much higher price, consider a lower tier that still meets your needs.

Low‑income and discount options to check If you qualify based on income or participation in eligible programs, these can dramatically lower your bill. Use the links to verify eligibility and current terms.

Lifeline (ongoing federal program): Up to $9.25/month off phone or internet, or up to $34.25/month on Tribal lands. Some ISP discounts may stack with Lifeline. [lifelinesupport.org]
NDIA Honor Roll: A curated directory of low‑cost plans meeting affordability/speed standards (≤$30 and reasonable caps). Great starting point. [digitalinclusion.org]
Access from AT&T: Typically $30/month for plans up to 100 Mbps; equipment included; no annual contract. [att.com]
Verizon Forward: Up to $30/month discount for qualifying customers (e.g., Lifeline, SNAP, WIC, Pell), applicable to Fios and 5G/LTE Home. [verizon.com/discounts/verizon-forward]
Xfinity Internet Essentials: $14.95/month up to 75 Mbps or $29.95/month up to 100 Mbps; device options and training resources noted. [xfinity.com]
Spectrum Internet Assist (and “Advantage” in some areas): SIA at $25/month for up to 50 Mbps; “Advantage” 100 Mbps at $30/month for 1 year in certain locations. [espanol.spectrum.com]
PCs for People: Nonprofit mobile broadband from $15/month (unlimited 4G/5G; prepaid; eligibility required). [pcsforpeople.org]

Simple discount math (if stacking is allowed by your provider):

Example: Low‑cost plan $30.00
Lifeline discount −$9.25
Potential net $20.75
Always confirm with your provider whether discounts can be combined.

Consider fixed‑wireless (5G home internet) for price stability

T‑Mobile 5G Home Internet: As low as $35/month with bundling, five‑year price guarantee, easy self‑setup. [t-mobile.com]
Verizon 5G Home Internet: Starts at $60/month (as low as $35 with select mobile + Auto Pay), multi‑year price locks; router included, no hidden fees. [verizon.com/get5ginternet]

Why this matters: These offers can be powerful leverage when negotiating—or a simpler switch if your current provider won’t budge.

Cut equipment and one‑time fees

Self‑install when offered to avoid installation charges.
Use your own compatible modem/router to eliminate monthly rental fees (check your provider’s approved devices list).
Audit your bill line‑by‑line for extras you don’t need.
(Source: Consumer Reports guidance on reducing internet fees) [consumerreports.org]

Negotiate with your current provider (retentions) Bring a competitor’s Broadband Facts label and be clear about what you want: a plan migration to a lower tier, removal of add‑ons, or a loyalty credit.

Copy‑paste scripts

Retentions—match a competitor “Hi there. I’m reviewing my options and I have a Broadband Facts label from [Competitor] that shows [price/terms]. I’m happy to stay if you can match this or move me to a plan with a similar total monthly cost without new fees. What options can you offer me today?”
Retentions—right‑size my plan “Hello. We don’t need gigabit speeds. Please move my account to your [100/20 Mbps or nearest] plan at the lowest total monthly cost shown on your Broadband Facts label, with no added equipment or activation fees. Can you also review my bill for any optional add‑ons to remove?”
Equipment fee relief or own‑modem request “Hi. I see a monthly equipment charge on my bill. I’d like to self‑install and use a compatible modem/router to remove that fee. Can you confirm the approved models and waive any activation charges if I switch?”
If contacted about “ACP” “Thanks for the call. My understanding is the Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024. I don’t wish to be contacted about ACP enrollments. If this is incorrect, please direct me to the FCC page that confirms current status.”

Practical table of options (verify availability/eligibility)

Option	What to know
Lifeline	Up to $9.25/mo off internet or phone (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands); may stack with some ISP discounts. [lifelinesupport.org]
NDIA Honor Roll	Directory of low‑cost plans meeting affordability standards (helpful post‑ACP). [digitalinclusion.org]
Access from AT&T	Typically $30/mo up to 100 Mbps; equipment included; no annual contract. [att.com]
Verizon Forward	Up to $30/mo discount for qualifying customers on Fios and 5G/LTE Home. [verizon.com/discounts/verizon-forward]
Xfinity Internet Essentials	$14.95/mo up to 75 Mbps; or $29.95/mo up to 100 Mbps. [xfinity.com]
Spectrum Internet Assist/Advantage	$25/mo up to 50 Mbps; “Advantage” 100 Mbps at $30/mo for 1 year in some areas. [espanol.spectrum.com]
PCs for People	From $15/mo; unlimited 4G/5G; eligibility required. [pcsforpeople.org]
T‑Mobile 5G Home Internet	As low as $35/mo with bundling; five‑year price guarantee; self‑setup. [t-mobile.com]
Verizon 5G Home Internet	Starts at $60/mo; as low as $35 with select mobile + Auto Pay; router included; no hidden fees. [verizon.com/get5ginternet]

Small, family‑friendly system to keep it stress‑proof

Keep your “evidence” folder: Save PDFs/screenshots of Broadband Facts labels you liked.
Note a single date: the day any promo ends so you can renegotiate or switch in time.
Use tools that surface recurring costs: If you use Monee, its recurring transactions and one‑screen monthly overview can make these bills obvious without adding extra steps.

Common pitfalls to avoid

“Too good to be true” ACP pitches: The program ended; report solicitations. [consumercomplaints.fcc.gov; usac.org]
Intro vs. regular price confusion: Always check the Broadband Facts label for the after‑promo cost. [arstechnica.com]
Over‑buying speed: The FCC’s 100/20 Mbps benchmark is a useful guide for most households. [arstechnica.com]
Hidden equipment fees: Self‑install and own‑modem policies can reduce recurring costs. [consumerreports.org]
Eligibility assumptions: Low‑income plan criteria differ; verify directly with the provider or NDIA’s directory. [digitalinclusion.org]
Availability mismatches: Confirm via the FCC map and file an availability challenge if needed. [help.bdc.fcc.gov]

You don’t have to overhaul your life to pay less. Confirm what’s real, pick the plan that matches how your family actually uses the internet, and ask your provider to meet you there. Small, calm steps—and real savings.

How to Lower Your Internet Bill After the Affordable Connectivity Program Ends

Sources:

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