The need for affordable and reliable internet access has never been more pressing, as more and more aspects of our lives move online. In 2023, several providers and organizations are stepping up to offer affordable connectivity programs that can help bridge the digital divide and provide access to the resources and opportunities that the internet provides.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the providers that are offering Affordable Connectivity Program benefits, and the benefits that these programs can provide for individuals and communities in 2023. Let’s dive into it.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC benefit program that helps to ensure households to afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. It provides a discount of up to $30 per month towards 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 towards the purchase price.
Who Are Qualified For Affordable Connectivity Program?
The program aims to provide internet access to low-income households and communities that lack adequate connectivity. It typically targets households that are eligible for government assistance programs, such as those receiving benefits from Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Federal Public Housing Assistance.
There are different requirements to qualify for the program and sometimes the requirements vary depending on your state and when you are applying. Anyways, here are the common conditions –
Low income: Households that have an income below a certain threshold, typically at or below the state’s federal poverty level, are eligible for the program.
Percipient of other assistant programs: Household participates in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
Residency: The program is only available to residents of a specific area, such as a city or county.
Lack of internet access: Its main aim is to provide internet access to households that currently do not have it.
Some ACP providers also target specific groups of people like students, veterans, and senior citizens.
How To Apply For Affordable Connectivity Program
Following the steps, you can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program –
Find out if you qualify: Eligibility for affordable connectivity programs is typically based on income or participation in government assistance programs. If you meet the requirements, you can proceed.
Gather necessary documentation: Depending on how you qualify for it, you may need to provide proof of income, such as a pay stub or tax return, or proof of participation in a government assistance program, such as a Medicaid card. Following, we’ll tell you all the documents you’ll require.
Choose A Service Provider: The FCC doesn’t directly ACP benefits. It collaborates with different providers to offer these benefits. So, you need to choose one provider before applying. Following this section, we have listed some top providers.
Apply: You can apply for the program either online directly through the FCC’s official website, or you can apply from the service provider side, or you can go there in-person.
Wait for approval: After you apply, the authority will review your application and determine if you qualify. You will be notified of the decision via email.
The application process isn’t any complicated. After you visit the website, follow the instructions step by step.
Who Offers Affordable Connectivity Program in 2023
1. Comcast
Comcast, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States, provides internet, television, and phone services to millions of customers. The company is also a participant of the Affordable Connectivity Program and provides low-cost internet access to eligible low-income households.
Under the Comcast ACP program, eligible families get Internet Essentials, a high-speed internet service with speeds up to 25Mbps, for just $9.95 per month. In addition to the discounted service, Comcast also offers low-cost computers and free internet training to eligible customers.
The program is available to families with at least one child who is eligible to receive free or reduced-price school lunches through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
The Comcast ACP program is available in all areas where Comcast provides internet service, which includes 39 states and the District of Columbia. To apply for the program, qualified customers can visit the Internet Essentials website or call the program’s toll-free number. They will be required to provide proof of eligibility, such as a copy of a child’s school lunch eligibility letter or a copy of a Medicaid card.
2. AT&T
AT&T, one of the largest telecommunications companies in the US, has a variety of internet and television services and runs various programs. One of the programs that AT&T offers is the Access from AT&T program, also known as the ACP.
AT&T offers internet service at a discount of up to $30 per month to eligible customers and you enjoy high-speed internet at only $10 per month. The company even allows you to save $30 on 100 Mbps plans. Besides, it also provides Free Computers For Low Income Families.
The AT&T’s ACP program is available in only selected states across the United States. The company doesn’t add any additional eligible requirements than the requirements of the general ACP.
To apply for the ACP program, you can visit the AT&T website and enter your address to check if the program is available in your area. If it is, then, just follow the prompts.
3. Spectrum
Spectrum, arguably the most generous broadband provider with ACP. It offers eligible customers Spectrum Internet 100 for $0 per month, with a maximum download speed of 100 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps.
Customers can also receive a $30 credit towards their monthly bill, which can be used to pay for higher-tier plans like Internet Ultra or Internet Gig. There are also other benefits, including free modem, in-home Wi-Fi service, and easy, cost-free, self-installation.
Eligibility for the program is based on household income, with those earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualifying. Families receiving government support or living on tribal land may also qualify. To apply, customers can verify their eligibility on the FCC’s National Verifier page or by calling Spectrum’s customer service.
4. Cox
Cox offers a number of internet plans, including ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete, which are designed to provide affordable internet service to low-income households. Enrollees in Cox’s internet service who meet the criteria of the ACP program are eligible to obtain a discount of up to $30 on their monthly bill depending on their current internet package, or up to $75 if they are residing on tribal land.
To qualify for the ACP program, households must have an annual income of 200% or less of the federal poverty guidelines (approx. $55,500 for a family of 4) or currently subscribed to Cox Connect2Compete internet or Lifeline Phone with internet, and participates in a qualifying government assistance program.
To apply for the ACP program, you can enter your address or sign in if you are an existing customer on the Cox website. You can also check the availability of the program in your area. Once you are approved, you will receive a monthly notification when your credit has been applied. You can apply your program credit to any of Cox’s internet plans.
Cox also offers a connected device benefit through its partnership with PCs for People. Eligible households can receive a one-time discount of $100 towards laptops or desktop computers. Note that if you have purchased a discounted connected device through another service provider while enrolled in EBB or ACP, you will not be eligible to purchase a connected device with Cox.
5. Verizon
Similar to other top providers, Verizon also offers ACP to low-income households and individuals. Through the Verizon Forward program, which is part of the Citizen Verizon initiative, Verizon is expanding its offerings to include select 5G Home and LTE Home Internet fixed wireless services for free.
To be eligible for the Verizon ACP program, households must be enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit or Lifeline programs, participate in other Federal assistance programs (such as Medicaid or SSI), or have a household income of less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
Eligible households can receive $30 off their monthly bill, with an additional $75 for those living on Tribal Lands. They may also be able to get up to $100 towards the cost of a device.
Final Verdict
Affordable connectivity program benefits are becoming increasingly important in the current digital age. With more and more people relying on the internet for communication, education, and commerce, it is crucial that everyone has access to affordable internet services.
Companies and organizations that offer such programs are providing a valuable service that can have a significant impact on people’s lives. These programs can help bridge the digital divide, increase educational opportunities, and boost economic development. As we move into 2023 and beyond, it is essential that these programs continue to be developed and made widely available to those who need them most.
