Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps households afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward 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 toward the purchase price.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
There are three steps to enroll:
There are three steps to enroll:
There are three steps to enroll:
1. Find out if you qualify
2. Submit an application
3. Pick an internet plan
2. Submit an application
3. Pick an internet plan
Step 1 - Find out if you qualify
Step 1 - Find out if you qualify
Step 1 - Find out if you qualify
Over 100 million people qualify. You could be one of them.
You qualify if you (or someone in your household) participates in at least one of these programs:
- Free and reduced-price school lunch
- Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, EBT
- SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Lifeline
- and more
OR
Your household income is at or below a certain amount (e.g. $55,500/year for a family of four, $27,180/year for an individual).
Step 2 - Submit an application
Step 2 - Submit an application
Step 2 - Submit an application
You can submit an application online, by mail, or through an internet service provider.
Applying online is the easiest and fastest way if you have an email address. You can also apply by mail, or call an internet service provider and ask for help.
No matter how you apply, you will need an ID, mailing address, and documents proving you qualify. Many forms of ID are accepted, and you do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have a Social Security number.
3. - Pick an internet plan
3. - Pick an internet plan
3. - Pick an internet plan
Find a participating provider near you.
Once your application is accepted, use your ACP benefit to buy internet service from a participating provider.
You may qualify for free internet!
You may qualify for free internet!
You may qualify for free internet!
Get $30 a month to buy internet service and get $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
Tips to pick the right internet plan.
Tips to pick the right internet plan.
Tips to pick the right internet plan.
- Ask the provider for plans that are free with the ACP. Many providers offer them, but they are not always advertised.
- Ask about hidden costs, like prices that increase over time, installation fees, and equipment fees.
- Look for download speeds of 100mbps or higher if multiple people will be using the internet or you want to stream video.
- Look for upload speeds of 20mbps or higher if you want to use apps like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Classroom.
Resources
Resources
Resources
United Ways of California - Get connected to a low-cost internet program. Or text INTERNET to 211-211 to start the process on your phone.
AT&T - AT&T is participating in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible households can save up to $30/mo. off their internet or wireless service, or up to $75/mo. if living on qualifying Tribal lands.
Astound Broadband powered by Wave - As part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you can receive up to $30 per month off your Astound Broadband home internet and/or mobile data services. Eligible and qualified households can apply the ACP benefit of up to $30 to any Astound home internet and/or mobile data plan to lower your monthly cost of internet service. The ACP benefit is available on any current Astound Broadband home internet and/or mobile data services offered in your area, at the same terms available to non-ACP households.
Metro by T-Mobile - Save up to $30/mo. on a Metro plan. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program offers payment assistance on data plans to eligible households based on income and other factors.