Nearly one million low-income households in New York City are on the brink of losing their high-speed internet access as a crucial federal program, the Affordable Connectivity Program, is set to expire.
According to a recent analysis shared by the Center for an Urban Future, this program, which provided a monthly credit to internet providers on behalf of qualifying customers, has exhausted its funds as of April.
Areas like East Harlem and the South Bronx, which previously faced significant digital divides, were among the highest beneficiaries of this program.
Eli Dvorkin, the Center’s Editorial and Policy Director, expressed concern about the impending challenge for these households, stating, “The reality is that for those nearly 1 million households, if they want to preserve their high-speed internet service, they’re going to have to dig deeper into their own pockets. That’s going to be really tough.”
Dvorkin also highlighted the broader impacts, noting, “High-speed internet is the portal to almost every opportunity that exists out there today. It would be a real detriment to New Yorkers in general and to New York City’s opportunity agenda if we lose that access.”
The financial burden is compounded by the city’s housing crisis. Nine out of 10 New Yorkers earning less than $25,000 annually spend at least half of their income on rent.
A 2023 report from the United Way of New York City also found that half of all city households cannot afford basic needs without assistance. As the federal program winds down, the city’s efforts to provide internet to low-income residents remain mired in bureaucratic delays, which have been criticized as redundant during the federal program’s operation.
This means that residents who benefited from the subsidy face increased costs, which may force many to forego internet services entirely.
Meanwhile, representatives from major internet service providers (ISPs) like Verizon, Optimum, and Spectrum have indicated plans to offer discounted rates or urge governmental action to extend the credits.
Despite the uncertain future of the federal subsidy, programs like Big Apple Connect, which provides free internet to residents in NYCHA buildings, will continue unaffected.
However, without long-term funding secured beyond 2027, even these initiatives face uncertain futures.
