The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as an extension of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, with the goal of addressing severe digital inequalities among various demographic groups. It acknowledges that dependable internet connectivity is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity in today’s digitally-driven society, crucial for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The program aims to remove financial barriers that hinder access to essential internet services.
A central feature of the ACP is its provision of a monthly discount on broadband services for eligible households. This discount significantly reduces the cost of internet access through participating service providers, making it more accessible for those who have faced financial challenges. Eligible households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month for internet service. Additionally, households residing on qualifying Tribal lands may qualify for an enhanced discount of up to $75 per month.
Former Qualifications
Medicaid
SNAP
WIC
Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
Lifeline
Federal Housing Assistance, which includes:
Public Housing
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
For individuals living on Tribal lands, participation in the following programs serves as a qualifier to the ACP:
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Tribal Head Start
Tribal TANF
Many Americans were very grateful for the creation of this program. Launched on December 31, 2021, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Affordable Connectivity Program was the largest internet affordability initiative in U.S. history. However, the program has now ended as of June 1, 2022. In the months leading up to the deadline, some U.S. lawmakers proposed bipartisan legislation to extend the ACP. Unfortunately, these efforts never saw progress and were unable to come to an agreement or solution.
A number of internet providers have voluntarily committed to offering, or continuing to offer, their own low-income internet plans. This list includes AT&T, Comcast, Cox, Charter’s Spectrum, and Verizon. These providers will continue to offer broadband plans for $30 or less to qualifying Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) households. It is estimated that these companies will cover approximately 10 million out of the 23 million households that relied on the ACP.
Looking to the future, we are hopeful that Congress will reinstate the ACP. For now, however, we are left in our current state.
If you are in California, the state has partnered with several companies to help you find affordable internet service. Please check out the link below for more information
Find Other Affordable Service Programs
Additional resources include:
Letter from Chair Rosenworcel
ACP Impact by State