Affordable Connectivity Program

close up of someone typing on a laptop computer

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

How much assistance is provided through the Affordable Connectivity Program? 

Eligible households can receive: 

  • Up to a $30/month discount on internet service 
  • Up to a $75/month discount if 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) 

Note: some internet providers are offering high-speed internet plans for no more than $30 per month. Households can pair the Affordable Connectivity Program with one of these plans and will receive high-speed internet at no cost. Internet providers offering plans for no more than $30 per month include:  

  • Allo Communications 
  • AltaFiber (and Hawaiian Telecom) 
  • Altice (Optimum and Suddenlink) 
  • Astound 
  • AT&T 
  • Breezeline 
  • Comcast 
  • Comporium 
  • Cox Communications 
  • Frontier 
  • IdeaTek 
  • Jackson Energy Authority 
  • Mediacom 
  • MLGC 
  • Spectrum (Charter Communications) 
  • Starry 
  • Verizon (Fios only) 
  • Vermont Telephone Company 
  • Vexus Fiber 
  • Wow! Internet, Cable and TV 

Who is eligible?  

You are eligible if you meet one of the following criteria:  

  • Have an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline 
  • Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program 
  • You already receive a Lifeline benefit.  

CLICK HERE to learn more about eligibility  

How can I apply?  

  • Submit the application online. CLICK HERE to access the application.  
  • Mail in the application in English or Spanish. CLICK HERE for instructions.  
  • Contact your internet company. If they participate in the ACP, they can help you apply through their company’s application process.  

What documentation will I need to apply?  

  • If you participate in qualifying programs, provide a letter or official document as proof.  
  • If you qualify through your income you will need to provide a document that shows that your annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines 
  • Documentation that verifies your identity (birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, green card, e.g.)  
  • Document that verifies your address (utility bill, lease statement, W-2, e.g.) 
  • If you live with another adult who participates in the ACP, you will need to complete the ACP Household Worksheet. 
  • If you are an emancipated minor, you must include court documents or certificate of emancipation.

Who can I contact with questions or concerns? 

You can call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 (7 days a week, 9am-9pm) or via email at ACPSupport@usac.org.  

If you’re experiencing slow internet or no internet, complete the NC Broadband Survey. The NC Department of Information Technology will use the data from this 5-minute survey to expand broadband to communities across the state. 

Click here, and one of our Digital Navigators will be able to assist you.

Last updated 11/20/2023

Return to Blog

Categories

Utilities

Tags