More than 415K in South Carolina could lose COVID-era internet subsidy this spring, White House says

Adam Benson
·1 min read
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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — Nearly a half million South Carolinians could soon lose access to an internet subsidy program launched during the pandemic, the White House said on Tuesday.

April is the final month of eligibility through the Affordable Connectivity Program — a $14.2 billion effort that began in November 2021. Officials say 415,680 Palmetto state internet users are currently participating.

The Federal Communications Commission last month rolled out a “wind-down” plan that will eliminate the discount of between $30 and $75 a month for internet by June 1 without Congressional intervention.

In South Carolina’s 7th Congressional District that includes the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions, nearly a third of all households are currently receiving the perk, according to White House stats — 81,612 in all.

That translates to more than $48.3 million worth of savings. More than 23 million households nationwide have signed up for the discount, amounting to $700 million in total monthly savings.

FCC Commission chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sent a letter to lawmakers on March 4 urging them to extend funding for the program — about a month after the agency froze enrollment.

“Many of these households have contacted the Commission to express their disappointment
and frustration that they can no longer sign up for the program. Others have contacted the
agency to express concern about the impending end of the program, noting its impact on older
adults, families with school children, and military families at risk of losing their internet
service without the ACP benefit, Rosenworcel wrote.

“They worry that without ACP support they will lose access to employment, education, health
care, and more,” she said.

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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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