ACP Fallout: Wireline Retains Most, Wireless and Satellite Face Major Losses

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2024 – Despite concerns over widespread disconnections following the expiration of a federal broadband subsidy program that served one-in-six U.S. households, a new study shows more than 90% of participants who subscribed to wireline broadband have remained connected. 

The analysis, authored by Blair Levin, a noted broadband policy analyst at New Street Research, revealed stark differences in retention trends among wireline, wireless, and satellite broadband providers in the now-expired Affordable Connectivity Program.

“It appears that the vast majority of those receiving the ACP subsidy for wireline have stayed on a broadband service even though the subsidy has gone away,” Levin said. “Over 90% of those who were receiving ACP subsidies and used the funding to connect to wireline broadband are still connected.”