[9] In 2021, the US Congress passed a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package including $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

[5] According to NPR, an estimated 48 million Americans qualified, with the plans to provide at least 100 megabits per second of speed for a maximum of $30.

[13] Twenty internet providers were initially involved, including regional companies such as Hawaiian Telcom and Jackson Energy Authority in Tennessee.

[3] The full list included Allo Communications, Altafiber, Altice USA, Astound, AT&T, Breezeline, Comcast, Comporium, Cox Communications, Frontier, IdeaTek, Jackson Energy Authority, Kinetic, MediaCom, MLGC, Spectrum, Verizon, Vermont Telephone Company, Vexus Fiber, and Wow!

Congress instructed the NTIA to identify high-cost areas and consult on the matter with the FCC.

[12] As of January 2024 the future of the program remained in doubt,[21] with New Street Research giving chances of the $7 billion extension bill being passed as "significantly below 50%".

[24] As of late 2024 the program had been subject to funding delays and progress in rollout of broadband had not met the targets of the plan.

"[26] Those receiving various federal benefits were also eligible, including SSI, Pell grants, discounted school meals, Medicaid, WIC assistance, food stamps, VA Survivors Pension, and VA Veterans Pension.