Mar 31, 2023
These days, access to the internet is a necessity. However, for low-income households, accessing affordable internet services can be a challenge. In response, the Federal Communications Commission and the Universal Service Administrative Company established the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2021. The ACP is a federal initiative aimed at providing affordable internet services to eligible low-income households.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal initiative that helps low-income households access affordable internet services.
To be eligible, a household must meet certain income criteria, such as being at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participating in certain government assistance programs like SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC. The program is also available to households on tribal lands.
The ACP was established in 2021 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program is funded by the Universal Service Fund, which is managed by the USAC. The USF is a federal program that subsidizes telecommunications infrastructure and services in underserved areas.
As of 2023, the ACP provides a $30 monthly service discount for broadband services to eligible households. The program is available through participating broadband providers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Applicants can contact their current internet service provider to learn if they currently participate in the ACP.
Eligible consumers must have an income that is 200% at or below the federal poverty level, or a member of the household must be enrolled in another government program.
Or
While the ACP is a new low-income internet program, it builds on the FCC’s Lifeline program, which has been providing subsidies for phone services to low-income households since 1985. The Lifeline program is also managed by the USAC and is funded through the USF.
To participate in the monthly discount program, households must apply with a participating internet provider and submit an application by mail or online.
During the application process, you will need to submit proof of your household income and include the proper documentation with your paper application, or submit copies of the documentation online. To check your application status, you can contact the participating broadband service provider.
One of the key criticisms of the ACP is that the $30 discount on internet service may not be enough to provide meaningful access to the internet, especially in areas where broadband infrastructure is lacking. Some advocates have called for more investment in broadband infrastructure to ensure that all households have access to reliable and affordable internet services.
However, despite these challenges, the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline program are important initiatives that help to ensure that low-income households have access to essential services like broadband internet.
These days, access to the internet is a necessity. However, for low-income households, accessing affordable internet services can be a challenge. In response, the Federal Communications Commission and the Universal Service Administrative Company established the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2021. The ACP is a federal initiative aimed at providing affordable internet services to eligible low-income households.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal initiative that helps low-income households access affordable internet services.
To be eligible, a household must meet certain income criteria, such as being at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participating in certain government assistance programs like SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC. The program is also available to households on tribal lands.
The ACP was established in 2021 as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The program is funded by the Universal Service Fund, which is managed by the USAC. The USF is a federal program that subsidizes telecommunications infrastructure and services in underserved areas.
As of 2023, the ACP provides a $30 monthly service discount for broadband services to eligible households. The program is available through participating broadband providers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, and Boost Mobile. Applicants can contact their current internet service provider to learn if they currently participate in the ACP.
Eligible consumers must have an income that is 200% at or below the federal poverty level, or a member of the household must be enrolled in another government program.
Or
While the ACP is a new low-income internet program, it builds on the FCC’s Lifeline program, which has been providing subsidies for phone services to low-income households since 1985. The Lifeline program is also managed by the USAC and is funded through the USF.
To participate in the monthly discount program, households must apply with a participating internet provider and submit an application by mail or online.
During the application process, you will need to submit proof of your household income and include the proper documentation with your paper application, or submit copies of the documentation online. To check your application status, you can contact the participating broadband service provider.
One of the key criticisms of the ACP is that the $30 discount on internet service may not be enough to provide meaningful access to the internet, especially in areas where broadband infrastructure is lacking. Some advocates have called for more investment in broadband infrastructure to ensure that all households have access to reliable and affordable internet services.
However, despite these challenges, the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline program are important initiatives that help to ensure that low-income households have access to essential services like broadband internet.
