Empowering Connectivity: Unveiling the ACP WiFi Program for Seamless Wireless Experiences

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Though this program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who is eligible for the Acp program? 

The Affordable Connectivity Program is available for households that meet specific criteria. To be eligible, a household should have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 

Alternatively, eligibility can be established if a member of the household meets any of the following conditions:

1. Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
2. Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.
3. Participates in one of the following assistance programs:
   • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools.
   • SNAP.
   • Medicaid, with a reminder to check if Medicaid eligibility needs renewal.
   • Federal Housing Assistance, including Housing Choice Voucher, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians.
   • SSI.
   • Women, Infants, and Children.
   • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits.
   • Lifeline.
4. Participates in one of the mentioned assistance programs and resides on qualifying Tribal lands:
   • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
   • Tribal TANF.
   • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
   • Tribal Head Start (income based).

How Does the ACP Protect Consumers?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) safeguards consumers through FCC rules by:

1. Allowing consumers to pick the service plan that suits their needs, even if they’re already on a particular plan.
2. Ensuring that consumers, irrespective of their credit history, can access supported broadband services.
3. Prohibiting providers from excluding consumers with overdue balances or prior debts from enrolling in the program.
4. Preventing consumers from being pressured into pricier or lower-quality plans to avail the benefits of the ACP.
5. Ensuring that consumers are not held responsible for early termination fees.
6. Reducing the risk of unexpected high bills or other financial hardships.
7. Allowing ACP recipients the flexibility to switch providers or change their broadband service offerings.
8. Providing a dedicated FCC process for handling complaints related to the Affordable Connectivity Program.

How to enrol for the Acp program?

Eligibility for the program is not dependent on being a U.S. citizen or having a Social Security Number (SSN).

Enrolling in the program is a simple two-step process:

1. Online Application:
   • Visit https://www.afforableconnectivity.gov to either submit an application online or print a mail-in application.
2. Provider Contact:
   • Reach out to your preferred participating provider to choose an eligible plan and apply the discount to your bill.
   • Note that some providers may have an alternative application process that they will guide you through.

Remember, eligible households need to complete both step.