Internet for over millions of Americans, and 700,000 households in Pennsylvania alone will cost more, as the Affordable Connectivity Program is out of money and will come to an end. President Joel Deuterman of Velocity Network, one local internet provider, says it was a program they tried to build off of. 

"The Affordable Connectivity Program was a great federally funded program, and it empowered low income families to afford the internet. It was a $30 per month reduction on their bill, and in concert with the federal government, Velocity rolled out a $30 month package so that families that were receiving the ACP federal funding could, in essence, have their internet provided at zero cost,” Deuterman said.

A Federal Communications Commission’s survey found 80 percent of those enrolled will have to switch their plans or cancel their internet altogether. Deuterman said the internet is vital and makes a huge impact. 

“The internet is not a luxury anymore. It's an absolute necessity. I like to refer to the internet as the great equalizer. If you have high speed, affordable, reliable Internet, you are now empowered to compete on a global stage,” Deuterman said.

Deuterman said he's a supporter for government assistance for internet accessibility, and he hopes the ACP can get refunded.

“The missing piece is the equity. Those who can’t afford it, who are denied access to this very important, powerful tool are left in a disadvantageous position. . . I'm a big proponent of the government stepping in where the private sector cannot fill a need, and in this case, free internet. . . I'd love to see it refunded, and if it is, then Velocity will fire our program right back up again,” Deuterman said.