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URGENT UPDATE: As of April 2024, ACP will run out of funding and is no longer accept applications. This impacts 23 million Americans. However, switching to a low-cost carrier can save you more than $30 per month on your cell phone service. To help, we have compiled a list of the cheapest cell phone plans from the best MVNOs.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal initiative designed to assist low-income families in the United States in affording a high-speed internet connection. It applies to a wide range of internet plans, regardless of their monthly costs.
Some participating service providers have even introduced specialized plans to match with the ACP benefit, offering customers faster speeds at no monthly charge.
To find Affordable Connectivity Program Providers in your area, enter your ZIP code into our handy ACP provider tool below.
Affordable Connectivity Program provider locator
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP is a program established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides a $30 monthly service discount toward a household's internet expenses. Those residing on Tribal land or in specific high-cost areas may qualify for up to $75 per month.
Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility
Eligibility criteria are income-based. Your household income must be at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Eligible consumers also include those who participate in certain assistance programs through the federal government.
What is included in the Affordable Connectivity Program
The ACP offers one monthly service discount for internet service and one device discount per household, which consists of $100 toward a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
In the two years the program has been in place, over 20 million American households have enrolled. This has allowed substantial progress in reducing the digital divide in the US.
How to use your Affordable Connectivity Program benefit
There are a couple of ways you can access the internet through this program:
Use the ACP for home internet service
You can obviously use your ACP benefit toward a home internet plan with one of the participating ACP companies in your area. Most participating providers offer high-speed internet with the discount.
Use the ACP on a cell phone plan
Did you know you can also use your Affordable Connectivity Benefit with your wireless service?
By combining your ACP subsidy with a prepaid cell phone plan from a participating low-cost carrier, you can get your mobile service for a nominal charge or even completely free.
These budget carriers, called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), are powered by the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks. This means you get reliable 4G LTE and 5G wireless coverage on the networks you trust.
Several MVNOs participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, making it convenient for you to apply your credit to your phone plan.
Keep in mind that in order to use your ACP with cell phone service, your plan must include data.
Affordable Connectivity Program Providers FAQs
A variety of large and small internet service providers and cell phone carriers participate in the ACP. Available ACP providers will depend on your location. However, major service providers like AT&T, and T-Mobile are just a few of the companies participating in the program.
Yes. In most cases, Affordable Connectivity Program service providers offer a Wi-Fi router at no charge if you're using the ACP. Cell phones aren't included with the ACP, but you can easily find a bring-your-own-phone plan with a participating carrier.
Yes. As long as the internet provider or phone carrier is a participating provider in this benefit program, you can use whichever one you prefer.
Recap
Find participating internet service providers in your area with our convenient ZIP code checker. You'll save at least $30 per month on your internet access.
Choose from a variety of major internet service providers, or apply your benefit to your cell phone plan with one of several participating low-cost carriers.
The application process is simple (you can apply online), and you can save over $300 a year on your internet access.
