AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

Without additional funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended at the end of May 2024. Millions of families across the country, including in our own community, can no longer rely on the ACP to help cover the cost of high-speed internet.

Next Steps

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) encouraged ACP providers to develop low-income programs of their own. The FCC’s Lifeline program is another option, although not all households qualify and many ACP providers aren’t eligible to participate in Lifeline.

• The White House compiled a list of 14 internet service providers across the country offering plans at $30 or less, including Altafiber, AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon, and others. For the full list, visit whitehouse.gov.
• Households enrolled in ACP received notices from their internet provider regarding the program’s conclusion. The notices included the following details:
  • The impact the program's conclusion will have on their bill.
  • The date they received the last bill that included the ACP benefit. 
  • A note that customers may change their service or opt out of continuing service after ACP ends.
• ACP participants and advocates for digital inclusion may call the ACP Action Hotline at (800) 397-2937 to urge their Senator to fund the program. Visit our advocacy page to send a message to Congress. 
• Additional information is available at affordableconnectivity.gov and fcc.gov/acp. You can also call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a Federal Communications Commission program launched in December 2021 that helped connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. 

The benefit provided: 

• Up to $30/month discount for internet service.

• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider.

Eligibility

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

• Participated in any of the following assistance programs: SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline; 
• Participated in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision. 
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year. 
• Met the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income internet program.