Astound Affordable Connectivity Program

3 min read

Updated April 16, 2024

Written by

Rob Webber

Edited by

Amanda Webber

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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.

Today, internet access is a necessity rather than a luxury. The problem is internet and cell phone bills just keep rising.

If you struggle to pay your monthly internet bill or wireless bill, you may be eligible for the Astound Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible consumers can get discounted or even free internet access.

In this guide, we'll explore the Astound ACP, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

What is the Astound Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income households obtain affordable home internet or phone service. This program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) at the end of 2021.

Astound is a participating provider in the ACP, offering both broadband service for home and wireless service on the T-Mobile network.

Astound ACP benefits

Qualified households can benefit from the following advantages through Astound's ACP:

• Receive up to a $30 monthly service discount on your internet or cell phone bill.
• Enjoy up to a $75 discount on internet or phone services if you reside in qualifying Tribal lands.

Please note that each eligible household is entitled to one monthly discount. A household consists of one or more individuals who share income and expenses.

Astound Affordable Connectivity Program plans

You can apply your Astound ACP discount to any internet or mobile plan offered by the company. Pricing may vary based on your location, so it's advisable to check the current Astound offers in your area.

With a wide range of internet and phone service packages available, you can customize your Astound ACP plan to suit your budget.

Astound ACP internet plans

Astound allows you to apply your ACP credit to any of its high-speed internet service plans. Astound internet speeds range from 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps.

Astound broadband internet service prices vary depending on where you live and which internet plan you choose; you could pay anywhere from nothing up to around $60 a month with your ACP benefit.

Astound Mobile ACP plans

Astound Mobile offers 4G LTE and 5G wireless coverage on the T-Mobile network.

While you can apply your ACP benefit to your mobile plan, it's worth noting that you must be an Astound internet subscriber in order to purchase a cell phone plan.

Choose from a variety of options, including:

• 1.5GB of high-speed data - free with ACP
• 3GB high-speed data - free with ACP
• Unlimited data plan - $10/month with ACP

So, to clarify, say you are an Astound internet customer and wish to apply your benefit to your mobile bill. You'd pay out of pocket for the internet portion of your bill, and you'd pay the above prices for your cell phone plan.

How to qualify for the Astound ACP

Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility is primarily income-based. There are several ways you can qualify.

• Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Or, if one or more household members participate in certain government assistance programs, such as:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
• Free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast programs
• Medicaid
• Federal housing aid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
• Lifeline program.

Additionally, if you participate in any of the listed programs and reside in qualifying Tribal lands, you may receive the increased benefit amount:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribal TANF
• Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
• Income-based Tribal Head Start

Find out more in our guide to the enhanced Tribal benefit.

How to apply for Astound ACP

Applying for the benefit is straightforward through Astound's website:

1. Enter your street address on the Astound ACP page to verify service in your area.
2. Gather the required documents (see below).
3. If Astound is available in your area, you'll be prompted to continue the application process.
4. Once you've been approved, Astound will contact you by phone to sign up for a plan.

You may be required to provide documentation to verify your identity and participation in a government assistance program. For complete details, refer to how to apply for ACP.

What if you don't qualify for the ACP?

If you don't meet the ACP eligibility criteria, you can still save on the monthly cost of your phone plan by switching to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). This switch could potentially save you up to $700 annually on your wireless bill.

MVNOs operate on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks, giving you quality and coverage at a much lower price.

MVNO advantages

Switch to a low-cost carrier to enjoy these benefits:

• Significant cost savings
• No contracts
• Quality coverage on trusted networks
• A wide range of plan options, including unlimited data plans
• Flexibility to bring your own phone
• Perks like mobile hotspot data

Compare phone plans and see just how much money you could save.

Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs

Recap

The Affordable Connectivity Program through Astound provides affordable internet for qualifying households.

If you don't meet the eligibility criteria, consider switching to a low-cost carrier to save hundreds annually on your cell phone plan. See if you qualify to start your savings journey today!