The Affordable Connectivity
Access to reliable internet has become a necessity in today’s digital world. From education and remote work to healthcare and social connectivity, the internet plays a vital role in our everyday lives. Yet, for millions of low-income households, high-speed internet remains out of reach due to financial barriers.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal initiative designed to change that. Administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), ACP is a key step toward closing the digital divide by making internet access affordable for underserved communities.
This article explores the purpose, benefits, and impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program—and how eligible households can take advantage of this vital resource.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal benefit program aimed at helping low-income families afford broadband internet service. Launched on December 31, 2021, ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which was created during the COVID-19 pandemic to address urgent connectivity needs.
ACP continues the mission of expanding access to the internet but provides broader and more sustainable benefits to eligible households.
Key Features of the Affordable Connectivity Program
- Monthly Discounts on Internet Bills:
ACP offers eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month on their internet service. For households on Tribal lands, the benefit increases to $75 per month. - Device Discounts:
In addition to monthly savings, ACP provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. To qualify for this device discount, the household must contribute between $10 and $50 toward the purchase. - Wide Range of Providers:
The program works with a variety of internet service providers (ISPs) across the U.S., including major national companies and smaller regional providers. This ensures that households have options when selecting a plan that suits their needs.
Who is Eligible for ACP?
To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a household must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Income-Based Eligibility:
Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. - Participation in Federal Assistance Programs:
Households receiving benefits from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are eligible. - Participation in Tribal-Specific Programs:
For households on Tribal lands, participation in programs such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance or Tribal TANF qualifies for ACP benefits. - Enrollment in Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch/Breakfast Programs:
Students who participate in these programs, including those attending schools under the Community Eligibility Provision, are eligible. - Pell Grant Recipients:
Households with a member receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year also qualify.
How to Apply for ACP Benefits
Eligible households can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program through these steps:
- Check Eligibility:
Visit ACPBenefit.org to review the eligibility criteria and confirm if your household qualifies. - Submit an Application:
Complete an application online through the National Verifier system. Alternatively, a paper application can be mailed in. - Contact an Internet Provider:
After applying, households must choose a participating internet service provider and enroll in a qualifying plan. Many providers offer specialized ACP plans to maximize the benefit.
Why the ACP is Important
The Affordable Connectivity Program addresses a critical need for equitable internet access, offering far-reaching benefits for individuals and communities alike:
- Closing the Digital Divide:
Millions of Americans, particularly in rural and low-income urban areas, lack affordable broadband options. ACP provides an essential bridge to digital inclusion, ensuring these communities are not left behind. - Supporting Education:
The pandemic highlighted the importance of reliable internet for education, as many schools shifted to remote learning. ACP enables students to access virtual classrooms, complete homework, and utilize online learning resources. - Boosting Employment Opportunities:
For job seekers, high-speed internet is essential for accessing job boards, submitting applications, and attending virtual interviews. ACP makes these opportunities accessible to all. - Improving Health Outcomes:
Telehealth has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare. ACP ensures that families can connect with doctors, schedule virtual appointments, and access critical health information online. - Strengthening Social Connectivity:
Internet access enables families to stay in touch with loved ones, access community resources, and participate in civic activities.
The Impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program
Since its launch, the Affordable Connectivity Program has had a significant impact:
- Over 17 million households have enrolled in ACP, benefiting from lower internet costs and improved access to digital resources.
- The program has strengthened partnerships with internet service providers, ensuring a wide array of affordable plans tailored to low-income households.
The ACP is part of the Biden Administration’s broader effort to achieve universal broadband access, which includes investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its success, ACP faces challenges such as:
- Awareness: Many eligible households are unaware of the program or how to apply.
- Sustainability: ACP relies on federal funding, and its long-term continuation will require congressional support.
Advocates emphasize the need for outreach campaigns and policy solutions to ensure the program’s impact is sustained.
Conclusion
The Affordable Connectivity Program is more than a financial benefit—it’s a lifeline for millions of Americans striving to participate fully in today’s digital society. By making broadband internet affordable and accessible, ACP empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and ensures no one is left behind in the digital age.
If you or someone you know qualifies for ACP, take the first step today and apply at ACPBenefit.org.