Affordable Connectivity Program : Bridging the Digital Divide

According to data, the digital divide is a prevalent issue affecting millions of households nationwide. A significant portion of school children, around 17 million, lack internet access at home, creating a Homework Gap that could potentially lead to an opportunity gap. However, the cable industry and the government have taken steps to address this issue by promoting the benefits of broadband, encouraging families to connect, and offering various programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP seeks to bridge the digital divide in society by providing a $30 per month subsidy for broadband to over 16 million qualifying low-income households. Another program, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, utilizes emergency funding to provide internet access to those in need. These efforts collectively aim to increase the availability and affordability of broadband to close the digital divide and promote equal opportunities for all.

What is Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefits program established to help low-income households afford monthly internet service. With a budget of $14.2 billion, the program offers eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month on broadband services, or up to $75 per month for those on qualifying Tribal lands. The program also provides assistance for connected devices to enable families to access essential online services for work, school, and other needs. Launched on November 15, 2021, the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that all households can access affordable internet connections. Eligible households may apply for the program through their existing internet service provider if it participates in the program.

How Does the Affordable Connectivity Program Work?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communication Commission initiative that aims to help low-income households struggling to afford internet services. The program provides a $30 discount on internet service every month for eligible consumers. The ACP is a long-term, $14 billion program that aims to ensure that Americans can access the essential tool of broadband internet, which is necessary for work, school, and daily life. The ACP also offers a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet for eligible households through a participating provider. The program aims to expand access to broadband internet services, particularly in rural areas, communities of color, and older Americans who often face challenges in accessing internet services. Overall, the Affordable Connectivity Program seeks to help bridge the digital divide by ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable high-speed internet services.

How to qualify for Affordable Connectivity Program?

To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a household must meet certain eligibility criteria. Firstly, the household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which is based on the size of the household. Additionally, any member of the household can make them eligible, for example, if a child participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch program. Participants in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Federal Public Housing, are also eligible. Consumers who are eligible for both the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline program can apply and participate in both programs up to the full extent. Furthermore, the household may be eligible for a monthly discount on new or existing internet service plans with participating providers. There are three ways to apply, including online through the program's website or via a participating provider's low-income internet program if the applicant meets the eligibility criteria.

How do sign up for Affordable Connectivity Program?

To sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), eligible customers can choose from three different options. The first is to apply online at affordable connectivity.gov, where they can create a new account and submit an application electronically. Alternatively, customers can print and mail in an application from the same website. Another option is to reach out to their internet company directly to enroll in the program, without having to reapply. The ACP aims to reduce the cost of home internet service for eligible customers, enabling them to connect to essential services like healthcare, jobs, and virtual classrooms. To determine eligibility and enroll in the program, customers may need to provide written consent and confirm their eligibility through the National Verifier. Existing Spectrum customers who have applied for eligibility through the National Verifier can call 844-815-8926 to enroll in the ACP.

Top Benefits of Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government benefit program that provides financial assistance for eligible households to afford affordable broadband services. Here are the top benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program:

1. Access to Affordable Broadband Services: The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services for eligible consumers. The benefit is designed to help low-income households access affordable internet services, which is essential for remote work, education, and telemedicine.

2. Eligibility for Low-Income Households: Households enrolled in benefit programs such as SNAP or Medicaid or earning up to 200% of the federal poverty rate are eligible for the ACP. This means that eligible households can access broadband services without a significant financial burden.

3. Simple Application Process: The ACP program has a simple application process that can be completed online. Eligible households can apply for the ACP benefit from the comfort of their homes, and they may receive immediate approval.

4. Help with Equipment and Services: The ACP benefit can be applied to bundled internet, voice, and texting services, as well as any equipment needed for connectivity. This means that eligible households can afford the technology they need for work, education, and personal use.

5. Benefiting from the FCC Program: The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, and personal use. This means that eligible households can benefit from the government's commitment to expanding internet access to underserved communities.

Is the affordable connectivity program permanent?

The Affordable Connectivity Program, which aims to make broadband more affordable for low-income households, is a long-term program that has committed $14 billion to the government. While there is currently no end date for the program, experts warn that the fund will soon be depleted if enrollment growth rates continue as they are. The program was designed as a permanent extension of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) but with a handful of changes. Under this program, eligible households can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop, or tablet. However, with funding for the ACP projected to run dry by 2025, it remains to be seen whether a new Congress will take action to keep it sustained.

Top Affordable Connectivity Program with Top Internet Providers

Affordable Connectivity Program Spectrum

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered by Spectrum Internet is a government-sponsored program designed to help low-income households afford reliable broadband service. Through the ACP, eligible households can receive a credit of up to $30 per month towards their internet service, or as much as $75 per month for qualifying households with specific needs. This long-term, $14 billion program ensures individuals have access to the high-speed internet needed for work, school, and other essential daily activities. The Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program offers plans starting at $19.99 a month with up to 300 Mbps, and with the ACP discount, eligible households can even receive Spectrum Internet 100 at no cost. The ACP offers low-income households the support they need to stay connected in today's digital age.

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Affordable Connectivity Program Xfinity

Xfinity is proud to be participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), offering a credit of up to $30/mo towards internet services for qualified households. The ACP benefit for households on Tribal Lands can be up to $75/mo. Eligible customers can apply for Internet Essentials through internetessentials.com or by calling 855-8-INTERNET. They can then check their eligibility for the ACP by completing the ACP application using their Xfinity ID. If approved, they can enroll in the ACP through Xfinity by completing the ACP application. Customers who qualify for and enroll in the ACP can receive Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost, and can also benefit from a discount of up to $30 per month on their Xfinity Internet service. Additionally, by adding one line of Unlimited data on Xfinity Mobile at $45 a month, customers can apply for the $30 ACP credit and pay just $24.95. Comcast in the Twin Cities is also offering free and discounted internet options through the ACP for eligible low-income households.

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Affordable Connectivity Program ATT

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal government initiative that aims to help qualifying households pay for broadband services. AT&T has partnered with the program, enabling eligible customers to receive a benefit of up to $30 per month on their AT&T prepaid or internet services. The company recently opened enrollment for the program, offering customers the opportunity to save on their monthly internet bills. AT&T has combined the ACP benefit with their $30 Access from AT&T plans, providing up to 100Mbps service and unlimited data. By doing so, they are combating the digital divide by making broadband access more affordable for households who may have otherwise been unable to afford it.

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Affordable Connectivity Program Verizon

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aimed at assisting low-income households with affordable data service to stay connected to the internet. Verizon, a leading telecommunications company in the US, is participating in the program with its Verizon Forward program, part of Citizen Verizon. Eligible households can enroll in the ACP through Verizon and receive up to a $30/month discount on their home internet service. Additionally, households who are currently enrolled in the Lifeline program do not need to contact USAC. Verizon is also offering free internet access to qualifying ACP customers through its Fios Forward program, for the first time. The ACP is a $14 billion long-term program that speaks to the importance of affordable internet connections for work, school, and everyday life.

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Affordable Connectivity Program T-Mobile

T-Mobile has expanded its participation in the federal government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to offer internet payment assistance to eligible low-income households in 48 states, including Washington, DC. The long-term $14 billion program aims to provide affordable internet connections to ensure access to work, education, and healthcare. Under the ACP, T-Mobile pays up to $30 per month towards mobile or fixed connectivity for eligible households, and some may also receive an additional $9.25 Lifeline discount off cell phone or internet bills. T-Mobile is proud to participate in the ACP and provide vital connectivity assistance to communities in need.

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Affordable Connectivity Program Cox

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers eligible households a monthly credit of up to $30 to offset internet bills. Cox Communications, one of the participating providers, offers low-cost internet plans for as low as $9.95 per month. The Connect2Compete Internet service offers download speeds of up to 100 Mbps on a single outlet, with a Wi-Fi modem rental included in the monthly fee. Cox also offers access to digital literacy programs and online identity verification through ID.me. The ACP was formerly known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit and provides discounted internet service to low-income households. The program offers $30 towards broadband service and $75 on tribal lands. Cox is committed to keeping communities connected and has partnered with the program to provide computers to eligible subscribers.

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Affordable Connectivity Program Optimum

Optimum, a leading internet and mobile service provider, is pleased to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a Federal Government initiative that aims to help eligible low-income households pay for internet and mobile service. The program offers a credit of up to $30 per month, and up to $75 per month for residents of Tribal communities, to qualifying households based on Federal Government rules. The ACP replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit program and provides eligible customers with a discount on their monthly internet bills. Qualifying Optimum Mobile customers can also receive free or reduced-price wireless service after applying for the $30 ACP credit. If a household qualifies for Optimum Advantage Internet, it may also be eligible for the ACP to help keep them connected affordably. Optimum is proud to be part of this program and is committed to ensuring that its customers receive the best service possible at an affordable price.

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Affordable Connectivity Program Frontier

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) from Frontier is a government assistance program aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing low-income households with access to high-speed internet. The program offers eligible households free or low-cost internet services, as well as doubling fiber speeds to 100MB at no additional cost. Families can check their eligibility, sign up, and find fully covered plans at GetInternet.gov or by calling 877. Frontier offers two pricing options under its Lifeline internet service, and through its partnership with the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, it provides free or discounted fiber internet service. To access customer service for the ACP program, customers can dial the Frontier EBB Department at 888.882.2790, option 2. By ensuring that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more, the Frontier ACP program is a groundbreaking initiative in the effort to connect Americans to reliable, high-speed internet.

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Affordable Connectivity Program Centurylink

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered by CenturyLink is a federal program designed to help low-income households access reliable broadband service. Implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the ACP provides qualified customers with high-speed DSL internet for under $10 per month, ensuring they can afford the internet service they need for school, work, healthcare, and other essential purposes. Eligible households can receive a $30 monthly discount on CenturyLink Internet and smartphone service, enabling them to keep up with the ever-changing digital landscape. The CenturyLink ACP benefits are specifically designed to assist low-income households with unlimited internet access, and interested individuals can learn more about the program through the company's Internet Basics page or by contacting CenturyLink directly. Clients can also choose from various packages, including 100 Mbps or Gigabit bundles, depending on their internet usage needs. Overall, the Affordable Connectivity Program by CenturyLink aims to provide reliable internet access and promote digital equity among low-income households.

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Conclusion

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a vital initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide between low-income households and the rest of society. This $14 billion program offers a crucial long-term investment into broadband affordability, enabling households to access high-speed internet services essential for work, school, and communication. The ACP provides government assistance to eligible low-income families for the purchase of internet service and connected devices, with a $30 per month subsidy for broadband to over 16 million households. The program replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, providing a more effective solution to meeting the needs of low-income families beyond the pandemic. Despite challenges and uncertainties surrounding the ACP, it is clear that it is an integral component of closing the digital divide and creating a more equitable society.

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