The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. Any households making less than 200% of the federal poverty level—which is $55,000 for a family of 4—will be able to sign up through an existing program called “Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP.)”  ACP was created as a relief measure at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and is now being changed to become permanent. The discount will be up to $30 per month and could allow families free internet service, up to 100Mbps.

Some of the participating companies are Allo Communications, AltaFiber, Altice USA, Astound, AT&T, Breezeline, Comcast, Comporium, Frontier, IdeaTek, Cox Communications, Jackson Energy Authority, MediaCom, MLGC, Spectrum, Verizon, Vermont Telephone Company, Vexus Fiber, and Wow! Internet, Cable, and TV.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, OR if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program

• Participates in one of these assistance programs:

• The National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision

• SNAP

• Medicaid

• Federal Public Housing Assistance

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• WIC

• Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits

• Lifeline

• Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:

  Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance 

  Tribal TANF

  Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

  Tribal Head Start (income-based)

How do I enroll?

1. Go to AffordableConnectivity.gov or GetInternet.gov. to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.

2. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.

Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete.

Eligible households must apply for both the program and with a participating provider to select a service plan.

Start the application process here.

How Does the Affordable Connectivity Program Protect Consumers?

FCC rules protect Affordable Connectivity Program recipients by:

• Helping consumers to choose the service plan that best meets their needs (including a plan they may already be on);

• Ensuring consumers have access to supported broadband services regardless of their credit status

• Preventing providers from excluding consumers with past due balances or prior debt from enrolling in the program

• Keeping consumers from being forced into more expensive or lower quality plans in order to receive the ACP

• Ensuring that consumers are not liable for early termination fees

• Reducing the potential for bill shock or other financial harms

• Allowing ACP recipients to switch providers or broadband service offerings; and

• Providing a dedicated FCC process for ACP complaints.

ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from certain participating providers, with a small copay. To get a discounted device, contact a participating provider.

Which Internet Service Providers Are Participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Various internet providers, including those offering landline and wireless internet service, are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Find internet service providers offering the benefit in your state or territory.  Service providers can find more information about how to participate here.

Get More Information

Check out the Affordable Connectivity Program Consumer FAQ for more information about the benefit.

AUTHOR: VIRGINIA HOLLINSHED, PARALEGAL FOR THE CENTER FOR ARKANSAS LEGAL SERVICES