Affordable Connectivity Program

This article covers detailed information about Affordable Connectivity Program, eligibility criteria, the application process, and more.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started –

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides internet services to low-income families who need assistance paying their internet bills.

ACP is a long-term program with funding of $14 billion. It offers $30/mo towards internet services for those with low incomes households and $75/mo for households qualifying on the basis of Tribal lands.

[visualizer id=”86080″ lazy=”no” class=””]

A one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing devices such as laptops, tablets, and desktop computers from the participating providers, but a user must spend $10 to $50 towards the purchase.

Many service providers, such as AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile, Spectrum, and Verizon, participate in the ACP programs.

Note – You can visit “https://cnm.universalservice.org/” to find out the ACP service provider in your area.

Application Process for the Affordable Connectivity Program

There are 3 ways you can apply for ACP, but before applying, make sure you are eligible –

Online application

To apply for ACP online, you need to follow these simple steps –

• Go to https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/.
• Scroll down the page and click on the Apply Now button.
• Fill out the personal information such as SSN, Address, and more.
• Select the service provider and click on the Submit button.
• Wait for the application to get approved.

The response from the authorities may take up to two weeks.

Application via mail

You can also apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program via mail.

For this, you need to download and print out the Application form from https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf  and fill it out. You should also attach copies of the required documents.

Once your form is completed, you can mail it to  – ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.

By Contacting Service Provider

You can also apply to receive the benefits of ACP directly from the participating service providers.

You can find the available service providers in your area by visiting https://cnm.universalservice.org/. Here, you need to enter your ZIP code, and it will show you the list of service providers in your area.

After analyzing their offerings, you can contact them and apply for the program. You can either apply it online or by visiting their nearest service store.

Affordable Connectivity Program Free Phone Model

ACP providers usually don’t reveal the exact model of the free government phone or tablet you will be receiving. You can expect to recieve basic Android phones and iPhone models.

We have mentioned some of the free government iPhone models that you can recieve under the ACP program.

• Apply for free iPhone 7
• Apply for free iPhone 8 plus
• Apply for free iPhone SE 
• Apply for free iPhone 11
• Apply for free iPhone 12 mini
• Apply for free iPhone 12 
• Apply for free iPhone 12 pro max
• Apply for free iPhone 13 mini
• Apply for free iPhone 13 pro max
• Apply for free iPhone 14 pro max
• Apply for free iPhone 15

Affordable Connectivity Program Benefits

The ACP ensures eligible families can afford the broadband service they need for work, school, healthcare, etc.

The benefits of ACP include –

• The ACP benefits include a discount of up to $30 monthly toward the internet service for eligible households. This discount is expandable up to $75 monthly for qualifying Tribal land.
• If your family is ACP qualified, you can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy internet-connected devices like laptops or tablets from ACP-participating service providers. However, you must contribute at least $10 to $50 toward the device purchase price.
• Some ACP participating service providers offer free phones with several benefits, like unlimited talk, unlimited text, free monthly data, and hotspots to qualified individuals.

Though the program offers many benefits to qualified households, the FCC has mentioned some limitations –

• The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per family.
• The ACP benefit is available per household and not per individual, which means only a single member of a family can apply and receive the benefit from the program.
• You can not transfer your ACP benefit to other members of the family or other households.
• You must apply for the program every year.
• You must use your ACP services at least once a month to continue receiving them.
• You must inform your provider before 30 days if you are no longer eligible for the ACP program.

Affordable Connectivity Program Eligibility

The FCC has set certain eligibility requirements to be able to apply for the ACP program. These requirements may vary for different states, but the primary conditions required are as follows –

• The applicants must be 18 or above in age.
• The applicants must be citizens of the state where they apply for the ACP program.
• You are ACP eligible if the annual family income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• You are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you are enrolled in any of these programs –
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ( SNAP)
  • Free & Reduced-Price School Lunch
  • School Breakfast Program, including in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
    Federal Housing Assistance, including Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • WIC
  • Veterans Pension or Lifeline or Survivor Benefits
  • Tribal TANF
  • Tribal Head Start
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• You may also qualify if you obtained a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

FAQs

What benefit do I receive from the Affordable Connectivity Program?

With the ACP, eligible families can receive up to a $30 monthly discount for broadband service or a $75 discount on qualifying Tribal lands. You can get a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet through a participating provider if you pay between $10-$50 toward the device’s price.

How much income is required for ACP?

You are qualified for the ACP if your annual family income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Are ACP and EBB are same?

ACP program replaced the EBB program as the permanent solution.