Americans 50+ Support the Affordable Connectivity Program

In 2021, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program, a program that is helping eligible low-income households afford high-speed internet, and allowing them to stay connected with family, work, healthcare resources, and more. The program provides a discount of up to $30.00 per month toward internet service. Funding for this program is projected to run out by May 2024 unless Congress takes action to continue it.

In this survey, when asked whether they support such a program, three-quarters of Americans 50 and older say they do, and nearly eight in ten (78%) surveyed say they support Congress continuing to fund the program. Support for continued funding crosses political lines, with over 90% of Democrats and two-thirds (66%) of Republicans supporting continued funding.

Methodology

Interviews were conducted Jan 18–23, 2024, among 1,035 U.S. adults age 50-plus in the Foresight 50+ Omnibus. Funded and operated by NORC at the University of Chicago, Foresight 50+ is a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population age 50 or older. Interviews were conducted online and via phone. All data are weighted by age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, region, political party and AARP membership.

For more information, contact Kate Bridges of AARP Research at kbridges@aarp.org For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.