Empowering Communities with CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program

  • Posted on: 04 May 2023
    Empowering Communities with CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program

  • The CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is empowering communities throughout the United States by providing affordable high-speed internet to low-income households. By offering a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service, and up to $75 per month for qualifying Tribal lands, eligible households can access reliable broadband service at an affordable rate. The ACP also offers additional benefits such as no credit check or service deposit required, no long-term contracts, automatic bill payments, and 24/7 technical support. By promoting digital equity, this program is bridging the digital divide and opening new opportunities for businesses in rural areas by providing access to new customers and markets. Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, CenturyLink is helping to empower underprivileged communities by offering essential services and resources that they may not otherwise have access to.

    What is the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program?

    The CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government initiative that provides low-income families with access to affordable high-speed internet throughout the United States. This program is designed to bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity among those who cannot afford expensive internet plans. Eligible households may receive a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service, and up to $75 per month on qualifying Tribal lands. Additionally, households may receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Through ACP, customers can enjoy benefits such as no credit check or service deposit, no long-term contracts, automatic bill payments, 24/7 technical support, and the option to upgrade to faster speeds at any time. This program is beneficial for those living in rural and underprivileged areas by providing them access to essential services and resources they wouldn't otherwise have. The CenturyLink ACP is revolutionizing the way people access the internet and is having a profound effect on the lives of those who previously did not have the means to do so.

    What is the eligibility for the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program?

    1. Household Income: According to federal poverty guidelines, households with an income at or below 200% are eligible for the program. This criterion ensures that families who find it challenging to make ends meet and cannot afford costly monthly internet plans receive help.

    2. Federal Assistance Programs: Household members who qualify for certain assistance programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC, Lifeline, and Federal Public Housing Assistance can also apply for ACP.

    3. School Lunch Programs: If you or any member of your household receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, ACP provides eligibility. This also extends to those who receive benefits through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.

    4. Federal Pell Grant: If any member of your household receives a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, they are eligible for the program.

    5. Tribal Assistance Programs: Families that participate in Tribal-specific programs such as the Bureau of American Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are also eligible for ACP.

    Note: Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income after job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, due to COVID-19 will need to re-qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

    With ACP, qualifying households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service and up to $75 per month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands. An additional one-time discount of up to $100 is also available for purchasing a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers.

    How to apply for the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity program?

    1. Know the eligibility criteria - Before applying for the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program, it is important to understand the qualification requirements. To be eligible, households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or must have a member who qualifies for certain assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, federal public housing assistance, WIC, and Lifeline, received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, participates in Tribal specific programs, or receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.

    2. Check availability - Check whether CenturyLink internet services are available in your area and if the program is available in your state.

    3. Gather required documents - You will need to provide proof of eligibility such as income verification, enrollment in assistance programs, or school lunch program verification.

    4. Apply online - The application process can be done remotely through the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program website. You will need to provide personal information such as name, address, and social security number along with the required documents.

    5. Follow up - After submitting your application, it is important to follow up with the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure your application is being processed. You can also check the status of your application online or contact customer service for assistance.

    6. Receive approval and enroll in service - Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to enroll in service and receive the discounted rate. You may also be eligible for a one-time discount on purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.

    7. Enjoy the benefits of internet access at an affordable price - With the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program, you will be able to access high-quality, affordable internet service without worrying about long-term contracts, service deposits, or credit checks. Plus, you'll get 24/7 technical support whenever you need it.

    By following these steps, households that meet the eligibility criteria can now access affordable high-speed internet through CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program. This could be life-changing for families and individuals who struggle to keep up with the cost of internet services. It is important to note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit may also qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program and should apply to ensure continued affordable access to the Internet.

    Benefits of the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program

    In today's digital age, access to high-speed internet is essential for communication, education, and work. However, not everyone has the means to afford costly monthly internet bills. The CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is helping bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity by providing eligible low-income households with affordable high-speed internet throughout the United States.

    Here are some benefits of the program:

    1. Access to Reliable Broadband Service

    Through this program, eligible customers can access reliable broadband service at an affordable rate. CenturyLink's ACP offers discounted plans on high-speed fiber connections throughout the US, allowing customers to browse, stream, and work with ease. No longer do they have to worry about slow internet speeds or laggy connections.

    2. Cost Savings and No Long-Term Contracts

    With ACP credit, customers can save money when signing up for CenturyLink services and enjoy fast speeds and a variety of features included in their plan. In addition, CenturyLink doesn't require customers to sign long-term contracts or pay service deposits. This gives customers flexibility and allows them to make changes to their plans as needed.

    3. Automatic Bill Payments and 24/7 Technical Support

    One of the benefits of the ACP is that eligible customers can set up automatic bill payments. This ensures that they never miss a payment and allows them to focus on their daily lives without the worry of falling behind on bills. Additionally, CenturyLink provides 24/7 technical support to ensure that customers have access to help whenever they need it.

    4. A One-Time Discount on Purchasing a Device

    For qualifying households, the ACP also offers a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. This enables customers to access essential resources and services that they wouldn't otherwise have, such as online education or remote work opportunities.

    5. Bridging the Digital Divide and Promoting Digital Equity

    By providing access to affordable high-speed internet, the ACP is helping bridge the digital divide and promote digital equity. This program is designed to make internet access more affordable for those on a fixed or limited income who struggle to pay their bills. It could open new opportunities for businesses in rural areas by providing them access to new customers and markets.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and empowering communities across the country. With a budget of $14.2 billion, the program offers eligible low-income households a discount of up to $30 per month on internet services or up to $75 per month for those on qualifying Tribal lands. Additionally, the program provides assistance for connected devices to enable families to access essential online services for work, school, and other needs. The Affordable Connectivity Program is especially critical for households with school-aged children, as around 17 million lack internet access at home, creating an opportunity gap. By offering much-needed internet access and support, the program aims to increase the availability and affordability of broadband to close the digital divide and promote equal opportunities for all. Thus, with the CenturyLink Affordable Connectivity Program, communities can gain the tools they need to participate in our digitized society and access key online services for a brighter future.

    Call on (844) 340-6066 & get CenturyLink Internet Connection now!