One of the things that we have learned since the global COVID pandemic is that having an internet connection at home is not a luxury, but a basic necessity. From work Zooms to remote classes for kids to Netflix binges, our reliance on reliable, fast internet has never been higher.
With prices rising all around us, household budgets are getting tighter and tighter. Fortunately, the U.S. government recently launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which will help subsidize high-speed internet, making it much cheaper — or in some cases, totally free. Here’s what you need to know.
How does the ACP work?
To make internet access more affordable, the ACP will give eligible households up to $30 per month for internet access ($75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands). Not only that, but the ACP offers a one-time $100 discount toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating partners.
One thing to keep in mind is that the benefits offered by the ACP are limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household, so it’s better to follow this guideline to receive and keep this benefit for as long as possible.
How to know if you are eligible for the ACP
According to the FCC, households are eligible if household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of four, that would be a household income of about $55,000. For an easy-to-read chart, see here. Additionally, if at least you or one of the household members receive social assistance such as federal Pell grants, veterans benefits, SNAP, Medicaid, or other lunch benefits, or your household meets the criteria for Tribal land benefits, you might be eligible for this discount.
You can also check the complete guidelines on the FCC’s website, so you can get a better picture of what this program is all about.
How to sign up for ACP
If you meet the requirements of the ACP, all that’s left is actually signing up, which, thankfully, only takes a couple of steps.
- First, submit an application via the AffordableConnectivity.gov website, or download the printable version and send it by mail.
- Choose your preferred participating provider from the list. Select a plan that meets your needs and have the discount applied to your bill
Some large retailers like Walmart and AT&T have also teamed up to provide easy access to the Affordable Connectivity Program. Simply visit their website for more information and to start the application process.
In our post COVID world, reliable internet has never been as important as it is now. Thankfully the Affordable Connectivity Program is here to help us stay online and, more importantly, connected to each other.