Are you looking for a way to recieve a free Windstream EBB tablet? If yes, you have stumbled upon the right article.
With this article, I will share my personal experience with you on how I received my free tablet from Windstream and the free internet services.
The federal government runs many assistance programs, and EBB was one of them, but in 2021, it was replaced by the ACP program as a permanent solution. Following that, Windstream joined the ACP program and started offering a free tablet with the program.
So without further ado, let’s learn more about the program and how to apply for it to receive a free tablet.
Does Windstream Offers Free Tablet?
Currently, Windstream does not offer free tablets to its customers. However, the provider offers a one-time discount of up to $100 towards purchasing a brand-new tablet through its participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program ACP.
Remember that according to the ACP, you must contribute between $10-$50 towards the purchase price of the tablet based on its model. Since the discount is huge, it is called a free tablet.
In addition to the ACP program, Windstream offers several other tablet discounts to its customers through its special promotional deals. For example, customers signing up for a new Windstream internet plan often get a discount on a tablet.
How To Get Windstream EBB Tablet Free
Previously, Windstream participated in the EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) program to offer low-income people discounted internet and broadband services. Later, the ACP program replaced the EBB program in 2021 to cover a larger area under the program.
The new Affordable Connectivity Program ACP offers a $30 discount on monthly internet services for eligible households and up to a $75 monthly discount for qualifying families on Tribal lands.
In addition, qualified families can recieve a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a contribution of a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50 toward the purchase price.
With ACP in place, Windstream participates in ACP and provides all the program’s benefits. Hence, to get a Windstream EBB free tablet, you must qualify for the Windstream ACP program.
The entire process of getting a Windstream discounted or free tablet takes the following steps.
- Check whether Windstream ACP is operational in your state.
- Check your eligibility to apply for the program to get a free Windstream tablet.
- Ensure you have all the eligibility documents.
- Apply for the ACP to get a Windstream-free tablet.
What Is Windstream EBB And ACP?
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) inaugurated the federal EBB program to provide low-income households access to the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With its participation in the EBB program, Windstream offered a monthly internet discount of $50 for non-tribal households and a $75 discount for qualifying Tribal land people.
Later, the EBB program ceased and was replaced by a new, long-term ACP program in December 2021. With ACP, the maximum monthly benefit changed from $50 to $30 monthly for qualifying households on non-tribal lands, while the monthly benefit of $75 for Tribal land households remained the same.
Providers under ACP also provide a $100 one-time discount to buy Internet-using devices like laptops, desktop computers, or tablets.
How To Apply For Windstream EBB Free Tablet
As already discussed Windstream EBB program was discontinued and got replaced by the Windstream ACP program. So to get a free tablet, you must apply for the ACP program.
You can apply for a Windstream free tablet in two ways, online and via mail.
Online Application via Windstream
The application method for applying via the Windstream website is quite simple and can be in a few steps.
- Visit “https://www.windstream.com/affordable-connectivity-program” and click on “Get Started”
- Now click on the “National Verifier Button.”
- On the next screen, fill out the application form. You must select on what basis you are eligible and fill out the necessary information such as your Name, Address, SSN no. etc
- Now, attach the necessary documents and submit the application.
- Once your application is approved, you will receive a mail from the National verifier.
- After approval, choose a plan and visit “https://my.gokinetic.com/consumer/acp/statuscheckform“
- Enter your application ID (received by email from the National verifier) and last name. If approved, you will be eligible to recieve ACP benefits from Windstream.
Application for Windstream free tablet via mail
You can also apply for the Windstream ACP program via mail.
- You need to take the print of the ACP application form at
affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf - You also need to print a Household Worksheet for the ACP program at
affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf - Now, you must fill out both forms and attach copies of your eligibility documents.
- The last step is to send the application to the ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
- Once approved, contact Windstream. They will enroll you in their ACP services.
Qualifying Requirements For Windstream EBB Free Tablet
You can qualify for the Windstream EBB Tablet free by fulfilling the eligibility criteria of the Windstream ACP program.
Basically, you must meet the following conditions to get a free tablet through ACP.
- Be 18 years of age or above.
- Be a citizen of the state where Windstream offers ACP benefits.
- Have valid documents to prove your eligibility for the ACP program.
Once you are eligible by the above requirements, you must meet any of the two requirements to qualify for the ACP.
These requirements include:
Income-criteria
You can qualify for the Windstream ACP program if your annual income is below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Program criteria
If you fail to qualify for the ACP on your income basis, you can still qualify for the program if you or your family participate in any of the listed government programs below.
- Lifeline Assistance Program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance/Section 8
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Women, Infants, & Children Program (WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Veterans and Survivor Benefits
- Received Federal Pell Grant Recipient in an ongoing award year
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Tribal TANF
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
Documents Required For Windstream EBB Tablet Free
You must submit valid documents to support your eligibility while applying for the Windstream EBB tablet free. This documentation depends upon your eligibility through which you qualify to apply.
The accepted documents include the following.
Eligibility | Document requires |
Proof of Income |
|
Proof of Program participation |
|
Proof of Identity, Age, and Address |
|
What Tablets Are Offered In EBB Tablet Program
The tablet’s model and brand you receive by qualifying for the ACP program depend on a few factors, like the state of your residence and the available devices or brands at the time of your application. You can not decide on the tablet model you wish to have since the recipients have no choice or options.
However, all tablets offered by the ACP providers to low-income households are in good working condition and have advanced features such as HD screens, dual cameras (front and back), WiFi connectivity, long-lasting battery time, Bluetooth, etc.
Under the ACP, you will receive one of the following tablets.
- L.G. G Pad 5
- Lenovo Tab 5
- Older Apple iPad model
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- Sky device ACP Tablet
In the case of Windstream free EBB tablet, the provider offers two tablets through the ACP program
Tablet | Specification |
Amazon Fire 7 |
|
Lenovo Tab M7 |
|
What Providers Offer Free Tablets Through The EBB
Many providers offer discounted tablets through the ACP. The following are the ACP participating providers offering free tablets to eligible low-income households
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Dailytel
- Excess Telecom
- Metro by T-Mobile
- K&D Wireless
- QLink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Selectel Wireless
- TracFone Wireless
- TruConnect Wireless
FAQ About Windstream EBB Free Tablet
Does Windstream offer a free tablet?
No. Windstream does not offer an entirely free tablet. It offers discounted tablets via the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Are EBB and ACP the same?
EBB was the earlier program that ACP replaced. Now, ACP is functional and not EBB.
Can I apply for Windstream Tablet free as a Lifeline beneficiary?
Yes. Since you already receive one government program benefit, you can apply for Windstream ACP.
Can you receive free internet from the Windstream EBB program?
Yes, you can, but you must apply for the Windstream ACP program, as the Windstream EBB program was discontinued in 2021.
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