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High-speed internet is an essential need in today's world, but sometimes having access to great broadband internet comes with a hefty price. To bridge this gap, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has created the Affordable Connectivity Program - a $14 billion initiative to help low-income households qualify for fast, affordable internet without breaking the bank.
But, what is it, what does it provide, and how can you be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
HomeLinkd gives you an in-depth guide to everything you need to know about the ACP - and how it can help you get budget-friendly broadband internet access.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a $14 billion initiative from the Federal Communications Commission that was created to help low-income households qualify for broadband internet access. The program will provide subsidies to eligible households to make high-speed internet more affordable.
Through the program, low-income homes will be able to afford internet access they require for work, online learning, healthcare and so much more by offering a discount on internet plans from participating providers.
The ACP will provide subsidies to low-income households to make high-speed internet more affordable. The program is designed to help close the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the internet they need - regardless of their income.
The program will provide discounts of up to $30 per month on monthly internet plans from participating ISPs, making it more affordable for low-income families to get connected. For households on qualifying Tribal lands, they will be to receive a discount up to $75 per month.
Additionally, the program will also offer free or discounted devices and equipment for those who need it - so you can get online without breaking the bank. Qualifying households can receive a one-time discount of approximately $100 to purchase devices such as a laptop, tablet or computer from providers participating in the program, if the household contributes between $10 and $50 towards the price of the device.
Please Note: The benefits of the program are limited to one monthly service and one device discount per eligible household.
To be eligible for the ACP, you must first confirm that you live in an area where the program is available. You can do this by checking the FCC's National Broadband Map.
Once you have confirmed that the program is available in your area, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Participate in certain assistance programs such as:
- Not already receive benefits from a similar program from another provider; and
- Not have outstanding debt to any provider for internet service previously received.
If you meet all of the above criteria, you will then need to contact your chosen participating ISP to apply for the program.
It's important to note that each provider has its own application process and eligibility requirements, so be sure to check with your chosen provider before you apply.
After you have applied for the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program through your chosen ISP, the provider will review your application to see if you qualify for the program. If you do qualify, they will provide you with information on how to sign up for the program and receive the discounts available.
No. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a temporary program that provides a discount of up to $50 per month on monthly internet plans for eligible households. The program will end when the funds allocated to it have been exhausted or six months after the declared end of the COVID-19 pandemic - whichever comes first.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, on the other hand, is a permanent program that will provide subsidies to low-income households to make high-speed internet more affordable. The program is designed to help close the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the internet they need - regardless of their income.
If you qualify for both programs, you can receive benefits from both programs - but you can only receive the Emergency Broadband Benefit discount from one provider.
AT&T plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.
To sign up for an AT&T plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.att.com/help/affordable-connectivity-program/
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up for service
CenturyLink plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington.
To sign up for a CenturyLink plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.centurylink.com/
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up for service
Comcast Xfinity plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington.
To sign up for a Comcast Xfinity plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/acp
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up for service
EarthLink plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
To sign up for an EarthLink plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.earthlink.net/
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up for service
Frontier Communications plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
To sign up for a Frontier Communications plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://frontier.com/discount-programs/affordable-connectivity-program
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up
Hughes Network plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
To sign up for a Hughes Network plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.hughesnet.com/
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up service
Metro by T-Mobile plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
To sign up for a Metro by T-Mobile plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/affordable-connectivity-program
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up for service
Spectrum Charter plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
To sign up for a Spectrum Charter plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.spectrum.com/
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up for service
Viasat plans under the ACP are available in the following states:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
To sign up for a Viasat plan under the ACP:
- Go to https://www.viasat.com/satellite-internet/plans/
- Enter your address to see if you qualify for the program
- Follow the prompts to sign up for service
You will receive ACP discounts, or sometimes free internet, on the following plans:
AT&T UNLIMITED STARTER® PLAN
Price: $27.50 per month for four lines after ACP benefit
AT&T UNLIMITED EXTRA® PLAN
Price: $32.50 per month for four lines after ACP benefit
Frontier Essentials Internet
Price: $0 per month if you qualify for the ACP benefit
Fiber Internet 500 Mbps
Price: $9.99 per month if you qualify for the ACP benefit
If you find that your internet bill is too high, there are a few things you can do to lower it. Here are five tips:
1. Check for discounts: Many internet service providers offer discounts for seniors, students, low-income households, and more.
2. Compare prices: Use a site like HomeLinkd to compare prices from different internet service providers in your area.
3. Get a cheaper plan: If you don’t need a lot of data, you can save money by getting a cheaper broadband service plan.
4. Negotiate with your provider: If you’re unhappy with your current internet service provider, you can try negotiating for a better deal.
5. Use public Wi-Fi: When you’re not at home, take advantage of free Wi-Fi hotspots at libraries, coffee shops, and other businesses.
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers a way internet service for eligible households. HomeLinkd can help you find the best internet service provider for your needs and budget. We also have a number of tips to help you lower your internet bill.
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