The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping low-income families across the United States get access to high-speed internet. As part of the Internet For All initiative, the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $65 billion to “provide affordable, reliable internet for everyone in America”.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a monthly $30 discount on internet service for qualified households. Residents of Tribal lands are eligible for up to $75 off a month. The plans offer a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed and can be combined with other state and local benefits as well (when applicable).
The program also offers a one-time discount of $100 off a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet from participating providers.
There are three ways to qualify for ACP:
- Income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – $27,180 for an individual or $55,500 for a family of four
- Enrolled in other government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension/Survivors Benefits, reduced school lunch programs, Federal Pell Grant recipients, LifeLine, and select Tribal assistant programs
- Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s low-income internet program
Over 1,300 providers accept ACP benefits. The program has also secured commitments from 20 high-speed internet providers to connect households for no more than $30 each month. What does this mean for customers who qualify? According to this White House announcement, they will have “no out-of-pocket cost” by pairing the ACP program with internet providers such as:
- Allo Communications
- altaFiber (and Hawaiian Telcom)
- Altice (Optimum)
- Astound
- AT&T
- Breezeline
- Comcast
- Comporium
- Cox Communications
- Frontier
- IdeaTek
- Jackson Energy Authority
- MediacomCable – Affordable Connectivity Program
- MLGC
- Starry
- Verizon (Fios only)
- Vermont Telephone Company
- Vexus Fiber
- Wow! Internet, Cable and TV
Spectrum (Charter Communications) offers this deal to new subscribers only – great for those looking to switch internet providers.
You can apply online or via mail and once approved apply the ACP benefit to whichever provider and plan you choose.
If you already have internet service with a participating provider, you can sign up for ACP through them. Some companies may have their own application process, so reach out to customer service to inquire.