Affordable Connectivity Program (2024)

FAQs

Is the ACP program ending? ›

2. When did the ACP end? Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP ran out of funds and has ended for now, effective June 1, 2024. As a result, all ACP households will no longer receive the ACP discount.

Affordable Connectivity Program

Launched in early 2022, the program offers eligible households up to a $30 discount on their monthly internet bill ($75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands).

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides enrolled households with up to $30 per month for new or existing internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a tablet, laptop or desktop computer. More than 80% of households in Kentucky qualify.

Qualified households will receive a total credit of up to $30/month toward Xfinity Internet service, including Internet Essentials, and/or Xfinity Mobile data usage and service fees. Qualified households within Tribal lands will receive up to $75/month.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federally funded program that offered a monthly benefit to eligible households. Funds for ACP expired on June 1, 2024. The FCC's ACP Wind-Down guidance includes critical information and estimated dates.

While there's no single resource that can replace the $14.2 billion ACP, there are a variety of local and state subsidies, nonprofits and discounted plans from providers that can help ease the transition.

The Human-IT ACP program has become especially notable for providing not only internet access but also free devices like laptops and smartphones. Among these, the provision of iPhones and Samsung smartphones is particularly appealing due to the high costs associated with purchasing these devices outright.

Can I use the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for my internet and phone bill? You can only use ACP benefits for one service. ACP benefits can be applied to both internet and phone, but must be applied to one service at a time, not both.

Free internet for senior citizens

If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can get affordable internet with Access from AT&T, Optimum Advantage Internet, Spectrum Internet Assist, Verizon Fios Lifeline, and Internet Essentials from Comcast.

In 2021, the Biden Administration and Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that appropriated $14.2 billion to establish the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has now helped over 23 million households sign up for discounted broadband internet.

Is Affordable Connectivity Program legit? ›

Low-income individuals and families need affordable Internet service for work, school, play, and staying connected with loved ones. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government-sponsored benefit program designed to help those individuals and families.

If you qualify for Lifeline or the ACP in Kentucky, you're also eligible for TruConnect's FREE plans which include at least 12.5 GB of 4G/LTE data WiTH Wi-Fi hotspot capacity, and a free Android smartphone (subject to availability)!

Given that the pandemic persisted, 2021 was dedicated to creating a new program that could last longer. Once the bill passed, the ACP was created with $14 billion, scalign to over 13 million households in the country. According to estimates, the projected end date for this program will be between 2026 and 2028.

Lifeline is a federal program that helps people with a low income get discounted telephone or internet service. Learn about eligibility, applying, and getting help with your service.

There's no denying that demand for ACP support is high. But absent additional funding from Congress, the ACP will run out of funding after April 2024. As a result, the Commission has started to wind-down the program. This includes ceasing new enrollments on February 8, 2024.

Starting February 8, 2024, there will be no more enrollments into the ACP.

This bill extends and provides FY2024 funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a monthly benefit that allows eligible low-income households to receive discounted internet service.

Unfortunately, funding for the ACP has expired, and the FCC has ended the program for now and shut off support that made broadband affordable for so many people across the country.

Q What happens when the ACP ends? A Once the ACP program ends, or you are no longer eligible, if you choose to continue with your current internet service plan, you will be subject to Viasat's regular rates, terms, and conditions.