Mar 31, 2023

What does the affordable connectivity program do

Access to high-speed internet has become a necessity in today’s world, allowing us to connect with others, access information, and engage in online services. However, a significant portion of the population, particularly low-income households and those living in tribal lands and rural lands, lack access to reliable broadband services. This can prevent families from receiving important health and educational services or applying for employment. Because of this, the Federal Communications Commission and the Universal Service Administrative Company have launched the Affordable Connectivity Program, also referred to as the ACP, a government-led initiative that provides a monthly discount on internet services to eligible households 

The Affordable connectivity program- Providing Affordable Internet access 

To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible consumers must meet certain income requirements, which are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additionally, households may also qualify if a family member is enrolled in another federal or local government assistance program. 

Household Income

To qualify for discounts on internet service, eligible customers must have an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in a qualifying assistance program, such as: 

 

  • Medicaid 
  • Free or reduced-price school breakfast program or school lunch program 
  • SNAP
  • TANF
  • SSI
  • Recipients of Pell Grant for the current year 

 

And other local government assistance programs and federal assistance programs. 

Participating Internet service providers 

The ACP currently works with many of the leading broadband service providers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. If you currently have broadband internet service but believe you may qualify for the ACP discount, you can contact your ISP directly to learn how to apply. 

Application Process

To apply for the low-income internet program through the ACP, eligible consumers must fill out the paper mail-in application or online application form. Next, applicants will be required to verify their eligibility by providing proof of income or participation in a qualifying assistance program. They may also need to provide proof of identity and permanent resident status. Acceptable documentation can include a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or green card. Keep in mind, only one discount per household is allowed. 

 

To check your application status, you can contact the ISP by phone or email. 

How Will I Receive My ACP Benefit?

Eligible families can choose a participating broadband service provider or contact their current internet service provider to learn if they are part of the Affordable Connectivity Program. The monthly benefit will be applied directly to the household’s bill, reducing the price of their internet service.

Providing Broadband Services to Low-Income Families 

The Affordable Connectivity Program, managed by the FCC and USAC, provides affordable and reliable high-speed internet service offerings to low-income households, including those living in tribal lands. The program offers subsidies and discounts on devices to eligible households and works with leading internet providers such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. To qualify for assistance, households must meet certain income requirements and apply through a participating broadband provider.

Access to high-speed internet has become a necessity in today’s world, allowing us to connect with others, access information, and engage in online services. However, a significant portion of the population, particularly low-income households and those living in tribal lands and rural lands, lack access to reliable broadband services. This can prevent families from receiving important health and educational services or applying for employment. Because of this, the Federal Communications Commission and the Universal Service Administrative Company have launched the Affordable Connectivity Program, also referred to as the ACP, a government-led initiative that provides a monthly discount on internet services to eligible households 

The Affordable connectivity program- Providing Affordable Internet access 

To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible consumers must meet certain income requirements, which are based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additionally, households may also qualify if a family member is enrolled in another federal or local government assistance program. 

Household Income

To qualify for discounts on internet service, eligible customers must have an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in a qualifying assistance program, such as: 

 

 

And other local government assistance programs and federal assistance programs. 

Participating Internet service providers 

The ACP currently works with many of the leading broadband service providers, including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. If you currently have broadband internet service but believe you may qualify for the ACP discount, you can contact your ISP directly to learn how to apply. 

Application Process

To apply for the low-income internet program through the ACP, eligible consumers must fill out the paper mail-in application or online application form. Next, applicants will be required to verify their eligibility by providing proof of income or participation in a qualifying assistance program. They may also need to provide proof of identity and permanent resident status. Acceptable documentation can include a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or green card. Keep in mind, only one discount per household is allowed. 

 

To check your application status, you can contact the ISP by phone or email. 

How Will I Receive My ACP Benefit?

Eligible families can choose a participating broadband service provider or contact their current internet service provider to learn if they are part of the Affordable Connectivity Program. The monthly benefit will be applied directly to the household’s bill, reducing the price of their internet service.

Providing Broadband Services to Low-Income Families 

The Affordable Connectivity Program, managed by the FCC and USAC, provides affordable and reliable high-speed internet service offerings to low-income households, including those living in tribal lands. The program offers subsidies and discounts on devices to eligible households and works with leading internet providers such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Boost Mobile. To qualify for assistance, households must meet certain income requirements and apply through a participating broadband provider.