FCC Affordable Connectivity Program Fact Sheet

As of December 31, 2021, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.  The Affordable Connectivity Program, a $3.2 billion federal initiative to help lower the cost of high-speed internet for eligible households during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The Affordable Connectivity Program was created by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

The Report and Order along with the rules governing this program can be found here, but below are a few important facts:

What Is the Benefit?

 Up to $30/month discount for broadband services;

  • Up to $75/month discount for broadband services for households on Tribal lands; and
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider.
  • The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household.

Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program ?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or
  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
  • Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
  • Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

When Can Eligible Households Sign Up?

How Will Eligible Households Sign Up?

  •  Eligible households will enroll through participating broadband providers or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Please check the FCC’s website, https://getinternet.gov/, regularly for the latest information on the enrollment process.

What Broadband Providers Will Be Offering the Emergency Broadband Benefit?

 Many types of broadband providers can qualify to provide service in this program.

  • The FCC is currently setting up the systems needed for providers to participate.
  • Contact information for the providers participating in the program will be posted on USAC’s website: https://www.usac.org/.

Outreach

 The FCC is excited to partner with those who want to help get the word out about this critical program. Please visithttps://getinternet.gov/ to sign up to receive  important updates and information about the Affordable Connectivity program.