Internet Programs for Seniors—What’s Available After the ACP

In 2025, more older adults are online than ever, but millions still struggle to afford consistent internet access. When the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024, many older adults lost the federal internet subsidy that helped them stay connected. The result? More seniors at risk of digital exclusion, isolation, and reduced access to healthcare and community services.

So where do things stand now? Are there any federal programs for seniors to get internet? And what options still exist to help older adults stay connected?

This guide outlines the current landscape of senior internet programs, from federal resources and state funding to mobile hotspot solutions and digital skills support. Whether you work at a senior center, housing site, or nonprofit serving older adults, these insights can help you adapt and support access where it’s needed most.

Key Takeaways

• The ACP ended in 2024, leaving a gap in federal support for low-cost internet for seniors.
• Many older adults remain disconnected in 2025, especially those in low-income or rural areas.
• Senior internet programs today rely on a mix of local initiatives, state digital equity funds, and community partnerships.
• Organizations are using mobile hotspots, shared Wi‑Fi, and training to meet older adults where they are.

What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The ACP was a federal benefit that helped low-income households, many of them older adults, affordable internet service. Households could receive up to $30/month off their broadband bill or $75/month on Tribal lands.

But with no new funding appropriated by Congress, the ACP program ended in June 2024. Nearly 23 million households lost that discount, including many older adults who relied on it for virtual healthcare, benefits enrollment, and social engagement.

In 2025, there is no direct replacement for the ACP. However, a patchwork of solutions is emerging across states and local communities.

Current Internet Programs for Seniors in 2025

Despite the loss of ACP, there are still several ways seniors can access affordable broadband today:

1. The Lifeline Program

While not exclusive to older adults, Lifeline offers a smaller federal subsidy (around $9.25/month) for eligible low-income households. It can be applied toward home internet or mobile broadband services.

• Good for: Seniors already enrolled in Medicaid, SSI, or SNAP
• Limitations: Fewer providers, lower benefit than ACP

2. State Digital Equity Plans

Every state and territory has developed a Digital Equity Plan under the federal Digital Equity Act. Many of these plans include funding for:

• Community Wi‑Fi hubs in senior housing
• Device lending programs
• Local training and support for older adults

Find your state’s office via the Internet for All dashboard.

3. Mobile Hotspot Lending Programs

Senior centers, libraries, and housing authorities are increasingly lending mobile hotspots to older adults. These portable devices provide secure Wi‑Fi access without the need for long-term subscriptions.

Organizations like Mobile Citizen offer mission-priced mobile broadband with unlimited data, ideal for seniors who need internet at home but can't afford standard plans.

4. Community Wi‑Fi Access Points

Some housing communities and senior sites are installing shared routers or managed networks in lounges and activity rooms. This model ensures consistent access while limiting per-user cost.

5. Healthcare Partnerships

Some Medicare Advantage and community health plans are investing in digital access for their members, especially where virtual care reduces transportation needs and long-term costs.

Why Senior Connectivity Still Matters

Older adults rely on the internet for:

• Video calls with family
• Telehealth and remote monitoring
• Online benefits portals
• Personal banking and safety alerts
• Lifelong learning and entertainment

Losing access means more than missing a Zoom call, it can mean missed prescriptions, social withdrawal, or unclaimed benefits. As digital services become more common, lack of access becomes more harmful.

What Senior-Serving Organizations Are Doing Now

Across the country, aging-focused nonprofits, housing groups, and healthcare partners are implementing low cost internet for seniors through local, adaptable strategies:

• Surveying participants to assess device and service needs
• Lending hotspots to residents in senior housing
• Setting up shared Wi‑Fi in common rooms
• Hiring digital navigators or peer coaches to offer 1:1 support
• Combining devices + training for stronger adoption

Programs that pair connectivity with supportive services see higher long-term engagement and impact.

How Mobile Citizen Supports Senior Internet Programs

At Mobile Citizen, we work directly with senior-serving organizations, including housing authorities, libraries, and nonprofits, to deliver affordable broadband for older adults.

Our service includes:

• Unlimited 4G/5G data — no throttling, no overage fees
• Mobile hotspot devices ideal for lending, shared use, or staff outreach
• Simple fleet management tools
• Procurement models that align with local grants and public-sector budgets
• Support for non-technical teams

Organizations exploring or expanding senior internet programs often start small—lending just a handful of devices or setting up shared Wi‑Fi in one location. Others scale across multiple housing sites or senior centers. Whatever the model, the key is flexibility and sustainability.

Mobile Citizen supports both approaches with affordable wireless internet options designed for public-serving organizations. We work with libraries, housing providers, and nonprofits nationwide to deliver mission-priced broadband and hotspot solutions that meet the needs of older adults.

Expand Your Senior Internet Program

The end of the ACP made internet access more uncertain for older adults, but many organizations have stepped up with practical, people-first solutions. Whether you’re lending devices, setting up shared Wi‑Fi, or building digital skills programs, the right tools and partnerships can make it sustainable.

Mobile Citizen works with nonprofits, housing authorities, and senior-serving agencies to deliver affordable wireless internet and mission-priced hotspot solutions that fit your program’s goals and budget.

Have questions or need help getting started? Talk to our team