What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ?
The Biden administration unveiled a $45 billion "Internet for All (IFA)" plan on May 13, 2022, with the goal of providing everyone in the country with affordable access to high-speed internet by the year 2029. By the end of the decade, everyone in America will have access to low-cost, dependable, high-speed internet, claims the U.S. Commerce Department. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce will be in charge of administering and implementing the program.
Following news that the Biden administration had teamed up with 20 broadband providers, including AT&T and Verizon, to enhance their subsidized high-speed internet plans made available to low-income Americans through the Affordable Connectivity Program, the announcement of the Internet for All (IFA) initiative was made on May 9, 2022. The enhancements to the ACP as a consequence of the May 9 agreements between the White House and 20 important broadband providers are noteworthy because those providers serve more than 80% of the US population.
The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. An FCC benefit program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) works to make sure that people can afford the broadband they require for things like job, school, healthcare, and other things. Each family is only eligible for one monthly service discount and one device discount under the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, internet service and linked devices are discounted for qualified households. To assist eligible households in partially offsetting the cost of high-speed broadband service, the ACP offers subsidies. The benefit offers eligible households a discount on internet service of up to $30 per month and up to $75 per month for homes on qualified tribal territory. If eligible households contribute more than $10 but less than $50 toward the cost of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers, they can additionally get a one-time rebate of up to $100.
How Does the Affordable Connectivity Program Works ?
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act) went into effect on November 15, 2021. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Scheme (EBB Program) will be modified and expanded into the Affordable Connectivity Program, a longer-term broadband affordability program, with the help of $14.2 billion from the Infrastructure Act. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required by the Infrastructure Act to initiate a proceeding in order to develop final regulations for the ACP.
The Infrastructure Act also requires the Commission to implement amendments for the ACP by the effective date, which the Bureau determined to be December 31, 2021. These changes may include modifying program eligibility requirements and program benefit amounts.
For homes that are completely engaged in the EBB Program as of December 31, 2021, the Infrastructure Act also allows for a 60-day transition time from the EBB Program to the ACP. In light of this, the ACP's 60-day transition period began on December 31, 2021, and ended on March 1, 2022. Additionally, the ACP started taking enrollments on December 31, 2021.
For qualifying customers, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Program offers a discount on broadband services of up to $30 per month. Customers who reside on certain tribal territory are eligible for increased funding, which can amount to up to $75 per month for internet services. Additionally, if a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet is purchased through a partner supplier, the program offers a one-time device discount of up to $100. Consumer co-payment for the one-time discount must be higher than $10 but less than $50.
Key Facts of Affordable Connectivity Program
- By 2029, all Americans will have access to inexpensive, high-speed broadband internet thanks to the $45 billion plan known as "Internet for All."
- In order to enhance its low-income Americans access to subsidized high-speed internet services, the Biden administration has worked with 20 broadband companies.
- Three government programs—BEAD, Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program, and State Digital Act Programs—provide funding for IFA.
How the Affordable Connectivity Program Funded ?
Three financing sources were used to launch the $45 billion Internet for All program:
The $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program : States that are interested in the BEAD Program must submit a letter of intent along with a budget for the planning money in order to access $5 million in planning funding and start developing their five-year action plan. Each participating state is guaranteed a minimum of $100 million, with extra financing contingent upon the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) upcoming publication of coverage maps.
The $1 billion Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program : In other words, any broadband infrastructure that doesn't link to an end user. This program will distribute grants on a competitive, technology-neutral basis to qualifying businesses for the building, improvement, or acquisition of middle-mile infrastructure.
Programs funded by the State Digital Equity Act (2.75 billion) : The following program are part of this series:
- Helping states and territories create digital equity plans is the $60 million State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program.
- The $1.44 billion State Digital Equality Capacity Grant Program would enable states and territories to finance yearly grants totaling $5 billion for five years to support digital equity projects and the execution of digital equity plans.
- The $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will finance annual grants for five years to carry out projects related to digital equity.
Who is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program ?
If a household meets at least one of the following requirements, or if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, then the household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
- A Federal Pell Grant was received during the current award year.
- Satisfies the requirements for participation in the low-income internet program offered by a participating provider.
- Takes part in one of these assistance programs :
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811
- Public Housing
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Lifeline
- A resident of a Qualifying Tribe who participates in one of these assistance programs and resides there :
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
Affordable Connectivity Program Income Limits
If a person's income is 200% or less of the federal poverty level, they are eligible for the program. The guideline is based on your household size and state.
That equates to $55,500 for a four-person household and $27,180 for a household of one in the 48 states plus Washington, D.C. (apart from Alaska and Hawaii). On the program's website, you can learn more about the income restrictions based on household size.
Who Participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program for Internet Service Providers ?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is being offered by a number of internet service providers, including those who provide wireless and landline internet service. Locate internet service providers in your state or territory that offer the advantage.
More information on how to participate is available here for service providers.
ACP Broadband Providers Participating :
Each of the businesses below made a commitment to provide ACP-eligible families with at least one high-speed plan at $30/month or less, with no additional fees and no data caps, as part of the most recent discussions.
- Allo Communications
- AltaFiber (and Hawaiian Telecom)
- Altice USA (Optimum and Suddenlink)
- Astound
- AT&T
- Breezeline
- Comcast
- Comporium
- Frontier
- IdeaTek
- Cox Communications
- Jackson Energy Authority
- Mediacom
- MLGC
- Spectrum (Charter Communications)
- Starry
- Verizon (Fios only)
- Vermont Telephone Company
- Vexus Fiber
- Internet, Cable, and TV
Companies in this list provide services to rural, suburban, and urban populations nationwide. Together, they provide high-speed internet access to more than 80% of Americans and nearly 50% of those living in rural areas.
How Much is Affordable Connectivity Program ?
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers qualified households a monthly discount on internet access of up to $30, or up to $75 on Tribal lands. Although the discount will be applied to your internet service, your final cost will be determined by the service package you choose from one of the partnering providers.
Each family is only eligible for one monthly service credit under the Affordable Connectivity Program. The ACP, which takes the place of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, is a federal initiative that offers qualifying customers discounted internet service.
How to Apply for Affordable Connectivity Program ?
On December 31, 2021, the Affordable Connectivity Program started accepting consumer enrollments and applications. Visit affordableconnectivity.gov to apply.
Follow the procedures listed below in the correct order to enroll for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) :
- To submit an ACP online application or print a mail-in application, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov.
- When choosing a plan, get in touch with your preferred partner provider to have the discount applied to your bill.
Some suppliers might want you to fill out a different application. In order to choose a service plan, eligible households must both apply for the program and get in touch with a participating provider.
How is Affordable Connectivity Program Used ?
You can submit an ACP application online or with the help of your internet provider. Ask your internet provider if they take part in the ACP, or use our web tool to locate a nearby participant. You can get assistance from participating businesses as you go through the application procedure.
ACP Toolkit for Consumer Outreach
The toolkit contains social media graphics for the Affordable Connectivity Program, fact sheets, and other outreach materials that may be altered for consumer awareness campaigns.
What Documents Need to Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program ?
In the event that a program eligibility database check cannot automatically validate a consumer's eligibility, they will need to produce supporting documents (For example, SNAP or Medicaid). The following papers can be used to demonstrate your eligibility :
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- In the case of federal Pell Grants, the supporting documentation must be from the current academic year and may take the form of screenshots from a StudentAid.gov dashboard that distinctly shows the student has received a Pell Grant during the award year.
- Additionally, applicants can be asked to submit proof of their identity or address.
Visit Here, to find out more about the documents you might need to supply and how to submit it.
How Does the ACP Protect Consumers ?
ACP participants are safeguarded by FCC regulations by :
- Enabling customers to select the service plan (including one they may currently be on) that best suits their needs.
- Ensuring that customers, regardless of their credit situation, have access to subsidized broadband services.
- Prohibiting service providers from denying program enrollment to customers that have unpaid bills or prior debt.
- Preventing consumers from being coerced into more expensive or poorer quality plans in order to receive the ACP.
- Ensuring that early termination costs do not apply to customers.
- Lowering the likelihood of bill shock or other financial repercussions.
- Allowing ACP recipients to move broadband service providers or providers, establishing a specific FCC process for ACP complaints.
Contact Affordable Connectivity Program
Call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575, if you want to speak with someone regarding your eligibility or application status.
Click here to submit an informal consumer complaint regarding the ACP against your provider.
Affordable Connectivity Program FAQ's
How can I sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program ?
Households that qualify can enroll by going to website or using a provider that has been given the go-ahead.
Do I get the money each month directly ?
No, the Affordable Connectivity Program offers qualified households a monthly discount on internet access of up to $30 (or up to $75 on Tribal territories). The funding will be given to the participating broadband service provider directly.
Which suppliers of internet are a part of the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program will include participation from a number of internet service providers, including those providing wireless and landline services. There may be a variety of providers available depending on where you live. Learn more about the internet service providers' plans for program participation by contacting them in your area. On website, you may discover a list of participating providers organised by state and territory.
If I have a past due debt with the provider, am I still eligible to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You can receive the benefit if you are an eligible consumer with a past-due amount or a balance that is being collected.
Can I enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program if I currently have an account or have in the past?
Yes, eligible new, past, and present clients of participating providers are eligible to get the benefit.
Can I receive a monthly discount for me and my roommate?
Each household, which is defined as any individual or group of individuals who are living together at the same address and sharing income and costs, is only eligible for one monthly service discount under the Affordable Connectivity Program. A household worksheet and further information can be found at here.
Does the Affordable Connectivity Program automatically apply to me if I already receive Lifeline benefits?
No, You must choose a qualifying service package and opt-in with your current provider or request membership in the Affordable Connectivity Program program from a partner internet provider. Either your existing Lifeline service provider or another participating provider can offer you with the benefit.
Can I apply to a provider directly ?
Some participating providers will be able to approve and enroll eligible families directly because they have been given permission by the FCC to use an alternate verification process. To find out more about the application procedure at your desired provider, speak with them directly.
Do I have to get in touch with my selected provider once my application has been accepted?
Yes, whether you applied via mail or online at AffordableConnectivity.gov and were accepted, you must get in touch with your desired service provider and choose a service package in order to start getting the monthly bill savings. After your application is granted, you must get in touch with your current internet service provider if you wish to use the discount on your account.
Can I change my current plan to receive the full $30 monthly (or $75 monthly on tribal lands) benefit?
You may be able to do so. Inquire with your service provider about the programs they provide as a member of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Do I receive the additional funds if the service package I choose is $25 per month?
No, Only up to $30 per eligible home, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal territory, is paid to the provider for the cost of the plan.
Do I have to pay the difference if the plan I choose costs more than the monthly internet service discount?
Yes, Any monthly internet service fee in excess of $30 (or $75 on tribal territories) is your responsibility under the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Internet, TV, and phone are currently included in the package of services I currently pay for, Can I charge my monthly cost to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The cost of a package of services that includes internet, phone, texting, and/or related equipment may be covered under the Affordable Connectivity Program. You are responsible for paying the TV service component of your bill if it is part of your bundle, as well as any additional fees over the monthly discount.
Can my child and I each receive a connected device under the Affordable Connectivity Program if we live in the same home?
No, there is a solitary device discount allowed per household.
To be eligible for the increased tribal benefit, do people have to be tribal members?
No, The increased Tribal benefit is available to anyone residing on qualifying Tribal lands. They are not required to belong to a Tribe.
How will this affect my internet bill each month?
Please get in touch with your internet service provider if you have any queries about your monthly bill, including its total, when modifications will be made to it, changes to your service plan, etc.
How long will Affordable Connectivity Program last?
Until all program funds are used, the Affordable Connectivity Program will be in place.
What Does the Affordable Connectivity Program Cover ?
The Affordable Connectivity Program includes the following home and mobile internet connection plans:
Mobile:
- Data bundle plans, as well as unlimited data plans from the present and the past.
- Usage-based data only, bundled data, and older plans are all available.
- Plans for mobile hotspot
- Pro, Plus, Essential, and Premium
Home :
- Mix + Match Internet, any speed.
- Traditional bundles
- 5G Home Internet
- LTE Home Internet
- HSI
Prepaid :
- Prepaid
- Prepaid Internet