The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program that has helped millions of households save on their home internet, wireless and prepaid wireless services, is winding down, due to Congressional funding limitations.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program designed to help provide lower-income households financial support for their monthly internet, wireless or prepaid plan—in some cases, offering free internet—and a one-time discount to purchase a personal computer or tablet. The ACP launched in 2021 and helped over 22 million households get online, giving them access to educational support, telehealth services, career opportunities and so much more. The program started with $14.2 billion in funding, but that funding has started to run out and is projected to end in April of 2024. This is why the program is currently winding down.
Here’s what else you need to know:
What is the future of the ACP?
At the moment, we don’t have any additional news on the future of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Its future lies in the hands of Congress. For now, the program is in the process of winding down to prepare for the end of their funding, which is slated to run out in April 2024.
What happens if Congress provides additional funding for the ACP?
There’s still a chance that Congress might decide to offer additional funding for the ACP, which means you may be able to submit an ACP program application in the future. However, that scenario isn’t guaranteed. If Congress does provide additional funding, the FCC will release more information about the ACP’s future.
If you have any questions about the program wind-down, or to learn more about the program’s status, you can call the call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 or go to GetInternet.gov. Additionally, you can file complaints through the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center about any ACP billing and service issues.
When will the ACP stop accepting new applications and enrollments?
The last day to apply for the Affordability Connectivity Program—provided you meet eligibility requirements—is on February 7th, 2024 at 11:59 ET. If you’re already enrolled through an internet or wireless service provider and you stay enrolled, you’ll continue to receive your benefits while the wind down is in progress, giving you until April 2024 to explore other options that may replace your ACP benefits.
Why is the ACP ending?
The ACP is ending due to a lack of funding. Though the program launched in 2021 with $14.2 billion in funding from Congress, the program has not received any additional funding to continue, so current funds are projected to run out by April 2024.
How long do ACP benefits last?
If you are currently enrolled in the ACP, you can continue to take advantage of your benefits until the program officially winds down. While it’s projected that April 2024 will be the last fully funded month, it’s possible that there may be remaining funds that can then be distributed in the following month. That means you may not receive the full benefit for that month, but you may receive some kind of discount as the last remaining funds are disbursed. Your internet company may have more information—reach out to them for additional insights as it gets closer to April.
Is Lifeline ending?
No, The Lifeline Program isn’t ending—which means it may be a suitable replacement for your ACP benefits. Lifeline is also a federal program that helps make your internet more affordable, but it can help make your phone service more affordable, too. Provided you can meet eligibility requirements, you may receive up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, Internet or bundled services. If you live on qualifying Tribal Lands, you may be able to save up to $34.25 off the cost of phone, Internet or bundled services.
How can I lower my AT&T bill?
There are still government-backed programs and AT&T initiatives that may help you lower your AT&T bill. For example, the AT&T Lifeline Program may help you get a discount on your wireless phone, home phone or Internet service, provided you still meet eligibility requirements. You can get one Lifeline discount per household through one provider. Visit our website for more information.
Another option may be the AT&T Access program. Access from AT&T provides low-cost internet service for eligible households, offering free installation and in-home Wi-Fi with no annual contract and no deposit. If you meet eligibility requirements, you may be able to sign up for Internet service for $30 per month based on the maximum speed available at your address, up to 100Mbps. To learn more, visit our website.
This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Carly Milne, a TechBuzz contributor. The statements in this article are her own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
