President Joe Biden traveled to North Carolina to advocate for affordable internet access for all Americans. However, the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides subsidies for internet access, is uncertain. The ACP, which offers $30 a month for qualifying families and $75 on tribal lands, will run out of funding by the end of April if Congress does not extend it. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper emphasized the importance of the program, stating that $30 a month makes a significant difference for many families. One resident, Shirleen Alexander, relies on the ACP to save money for groceries and alleviate the stress of medical bills. The program is essential to President Biden's plan to connect all Americans to affordable internet, comparing it to the Rural Electrification Administration of the 1930s.

Currently, only 43% of eligible households have signed up for the ACP subsidy. However, the program has proven beneficial for those who have enrolled, allowing them to avoid financial trade-offs and providing access to vital services like telehealth, remote schooling, and work. If the program expires, nearly 900,000 participating families, including those in North Carolina, will lose internet access or have to pay more to stay connected. North Carolina has one of the highest enrollment rates in the country, with over 50% of eligible households enrolled in the program.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed a bill to extend the ACP through 2024 with an additional $7 billion in funding, surpassing President Biden's initial request. However, the bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote, and its prioritization in a divided Congress remains unclear. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission has started winding down the program, instructing internet providers to send notices about its projected end and ceasing new enrollments after February 7.

Nate Denny, the deputy director for broadband in North Carolina, expressed concern about the subsidy program winding down, particularly as the state is set to receive $1.5 billion in federal funding for internet infrastructure. The ACP plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of grant money needed by internet providers to build infrastructure in lower-income communities, as it guarantees a steady customer base. Without the ACP, the state's ability to stretch available infrastructure funding would be significantly impacted.

The infrastructure funding comes from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which aims to close the digital divide. States have submitted draft plans outlining lower-cost options for qualifying families, with some incorporating the ACP subsidies to reduce the cost of internet access to zero for certain customers. Although these plans rely on support from the federal subsidy program, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration assures that BEAD will still connect all Americans and ensure newly connected households have access to affordable plans.

Various Biden administration officials, including Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, have emphasized the need for additional funding for the ACP during their visits across the country. Governor Cooper of North Carolina is committed to maintaining affordable internet access in the state, but he hopes Congress will continue to provide subsidies to those in need. He believes there is still a chance to keep the program alive.