Internet Access & Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

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FAQs

 

Yes. The ACP benefit can be applied to any internet service offering, and providers cannot restrict you from switching service offerings or subject you to mandatory waiting periods. Sometimes providers prohibit existing customers from switching to low-cost internet service plans; however, consumers receiving the ACP benefit are not subject to these “existing customer” restrictions.

 

What happens if my provider has eligibility requirements for an internet service plan that conflicts with ACP rules? (e.g. My provider requires that I pay off my past debts before signing up for XYZ internet service plan)

 

ACP rules override the rules of participating providers in the context of an ACP consumer. For instance, a provider may generally require that consumers pay off past or present debts before signing up for the 'XYZ' internet service plan. However, consumers who are approved to receive ACP benefits are not subject to that requirement (since the ACP rules prohibit providers from declining to enroll ACP consumers based on past or present debts).

 

Note: The ACP rules clearly allow ACP consumers to apply their benefit to any internet service offering that is generally available (i.e. not a grandfathered/legacy plan) and prohibit mandatory waiting periods (47 CFR 54.1808(e)(6)(iii)) and restrictions on switching plans (Para. 166 of the Report and Order).

 

 

(Visit https://acpbenefit.org/ for the most up-to-date information on this program.)

 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.

 

If your household is eligible, you can receive:

 

• Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
• Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

 

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household. To receive the connected device discount, consumers need to enroll in the ACP with a participating provider that offers connected devices (Note: not all internet companies offer device discounts.) The internet company will provide a discount to the consumer.

 

 

How to Apply

Already a Lifeline subscriber?

Reach out to your internet company directly to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

 

If you are currently enrolled in the Lifeline program, you do not have to apply again for the ACP. You can use your Lifeline and ACP benefit for the same or separate services. Talk to your Lifeline provider about the services they may have available as part of the ACP, including options to apply the discounts to your existing Lifeline service or contact another internet company participating in the ACP to use the benefit to a separate internet service.

 

Reach out to your internet company directly to enroll in the program.

 

If you do not participate in Lifeline but receive service from a participating company that has its own low-income program, you may not need to apply again for the ACP benefit. This option is only available if the company obtained approval for its application process from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Talk to your provider for more information.