ACP Update: What You Need To Know Now

Eudora Berge 17 May 2025

Are you struggling to afford your internet bill? The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a crucial lifeline for many households, offering significant discounts on broadband services, but it has now ended. Understanding its history, impact, and the resources available is more important than ever.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative born from the bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aimed to bridge the digital divide by making internet access more affordable for eligible households. The program provided a monthly discount on broadband services, helping families and individuals stay connected in an increasingly digital world. It's history is linked to President Biden and Vice President Harris's efforts, with collaboration between Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to address the affordability of internet access.

The program offered a monthly discount of $30 off internet bills for eligible households, and a discount of up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. This financial relief allowed participants to access essential online resources for work, education, healthcare, and communication. The programs benefits extended beyond mere financial savings; it fostered greater digital inclusion, empowering individuals and communities with the tools to thrive in the 21st century. To expand access, the government unveiled a website where people could check their eligibility and find a list of service providers in their area. A key resource to find more about the program was the website getinternet.gov.

The initiative, designed to provide critical support in an era where internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, faced the ultimate challenge of funding. Despite its success in connecting millions to the digital world, the ACP's funding ultimately ran out, leading to the cessation of new enrollments and the wind-down of the program. The final date for the monthly discount was June 1, 2024.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered a range of benefits, including:

Monthly Discount: Households received a monthly discount on their internet bills.
Access to Broadband: The program enabled affordable access to broadband services, ensuring that participants could stay connected.
Digital Inclusion: By reducing the cost of internet, the ACP facilitated digital inclusion, allowing individuals and communities to participate more fully in the digital economy.
Support for Essential Activities: Affordable internet access supported critical activities, such as remote work, online education, healthcare, and communication.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) eligibility criteria were designed to target those most in need of assistance. Key eligibility factors included:

Income: Households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines were eligible.
Participation in Government Programs: Households that participated in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and others were eligible.
Lifeline Benefit: Those who received a Lifeline benefit were also eligible.

The application process for the ACP was straightforward, although the details of the process are not relevant now as the program has ended. Applicants could visit websites like affordableconnectivity.gov or getinternet.gov to learn more and apply. Essential steps involved:

Online Application: The application form could be filled out online.
Accurate Information: It was crucial to provide clear and correct information.
Supporting Documents: The application had to be submitted online along with all necessary supporting documents.

For information on the Federal Communications Commissions Affordable Connectivity Program, consumers were directed to visit fcc.gov/acp.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, under Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter (312 Rosa L.), played a role in the program's outreach and implementation within the state, ensuring that eligible households had access to information and assistance.

The creation of the ACP was a direct outcome of the bipartisan Infrastructure Law. President Biden and Vice President Harris, in collaboration with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, spearheaded the initiative. This collaborative effort underscored the shared commitment to digital equity and ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable internet services.

The government provided crucial online resources such as getinternet.gov, designed to assist individuals in checking their eligibility and connecting with local service providers. These websites were vital for accessing information on the program. The website fcc.gov/acp provided comprehensive information on the Federal Communications Commissions role in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Its important to be cautious and protect your personal information. Remember to share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Official websites will use .gov in their web address, signifying that they belong to an official U.S. government organization.

While the ACP is no longer accepting new applications, the legacy of the program continues to resonate. It served as a vital step in bridging the digital divide. Organizations like BroadbandNow provide guides and tools to help users make informed decisions about internet service.

Key Points:

The ACP provided a monthly discount on broadband services until June 1, 2024.
The program was created through the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Eligible households received $30 per month off their internet bills.
Consumers should visit fcc.gov/acp for more information.
The program stopped accepting new consumer applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provided essential discounts on broadband services, ending on June 1, 2024. It was a key part of the federal government's effort to bridge the digital divide and improve internet access for all eligible households. The program offered eligible subscribers monthly discounts, helping to lower the cost of internet, phone, or bundled services. Despite no longer accepting applications, its impact on digital inclusion and access to essential online resources remains significant.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) represented a significant stride towards digital equity. As the program sunsets, its impact is clear: it brought affordable internet access to millions, making a tangible difference in their lives. While the discounts have ended, the need for affordable, reliable internet continues. Individuals and families should explore other available options, such as Lifeline and other assistance programs, and continue to advocate for policies that promote digital equity. The legacy of the ACP highlights the critical need for ongoing efforts to ensure everyone can participate fully in the digital age.

Remember that websites such as .gov belong to an official government organization in the United States. Always ensure the security of your information by only sharing it on secure websites.

Category	Details
Program Name	Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Start Date	Created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
End Date (for monthly discounts)	June 1, 2024
Monthly Discount	$30 for eligible households, up to $75 on Tribal lands.
Eligibility Criteria	Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, etc. Receiving Lifeline benefits.
Key Websites	affordableconnectivity.gov getinternet.gov fcc.gov/acp
Program Objective	To make internet access more affordable for eligible households.
Funding Source	Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Impact	Reduced the cost of internet access, enhanced digital inclusion, and supported participation in online activities.
Important Note	The ACP stopped accepting new consumer applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024.

The ACPs closure underscores the critical need for continued efforts to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and reliable internet. As the program sunsets, it is essential to explore alternative assistance programs and advocate for digital equity policies. The collaborative efforts of President Biden, Vice President Harris, and bipartisan support highlight the importance of making the internet accessible to all. Protecting your information remains a top priority, especially on the internet; always share sensitive information only on official, secure websites with the .gov domain.

GetInternet.Gov The Affordable Connectivity Program YouTube

U.S. Department of Education on Twitter " DYK You may be eligible for

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