Brace Yourself, Minnesota + Wisconsin Are About To See A Big Jump In Internet Bills

A large number of home internet subscribers in Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as elsewhere around the country will be seeing a steep increase in their bill soon.

In the case of some people, this could nearly double the amount you've been paying for internet the last couple of years. The price change will likely hit your home internet bill in the next month or two.

Here's the background on what's happening and how it will impact you.

The birth of the Affordable Connectivity Program

A couple of years ago, Congress passed a $1 trillion infrastructure bill that included funds for a program called the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program allocated $14.2 billion to help Americans get affordable access to home internet service.

While not all households were eligible, a sizable number were able to receive a $30 monthly credit that slashed the out-of-pocket price of their home internet. Similarly, a $75 monthly credit was provided for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

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The pandemic-era program was designed to help individuals and families with internet access as the world has pivoted more than ever before to internet-based work, school, and commerce.

Why will internet prices go up?

The ACP program faced a pending end date in 2024 as the allocated funding ran out. When this money runs out, it will cease the monthly credit being provided to those who are utilizing it, leading to an increase in their home internet price back to the market rate being charged by their service provider.

When will this happen?

The Federal Communications Commission has been projecting that the program would run out of funding by April 2024, and their website for the program confirms that the last fully funded month for the program is April 2024.

Internet providers will be notifying customers when their individual discounts will end, with April likely to be the last month for most households using the program.

What else should internet customers know?

The FCC's wind-down documentation about the ACP says customers will have some options if the non-discounted rates won't work as part of their household budget.

Customers will be able to change or end their internet plan without penalty, according to the FCC. This will allow customers to explore other plans or options, if available, or cancel their service.