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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.
If you struggle with paying your internet bill, you know how stressful it can be. We need internet access for everything from work to banking to healthcare these days - it's not optional for anyone, even if you're low-income.
The good news is that the Affordable Connectivity Program offers financial assistance for people who need a little help paying for their home internet or cell phone plan.
In this guide, we'll cover what the ACP is and how you can get discounted internet or wireless service through AT&T using this program.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal government program that provides help with affordable internet for low-income households.
Eligible households receive:
- A discount of up to $30 per month on broadband service
- Up to $75 discount on monthly internet bill for those who reside on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time device discount of up to $100 off a laptop, desktop, or tablet when you contribute between $10 and $50 toward your purchase
Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You can qualify for the ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You may also be eligible if any member of your household participates in a qualifying federal assistance program, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- National School Lunch Program
- Federal Pell Grant (during the current award year)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
There are also Tribal-specific programs that can help you automatically qualify for the ACP:
- Tribal Assistance Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
For more details on eligibility criteria, check out our comprehensive guide. Do you qualify for ACP?
AT&T's Affordable Connectivity Program
AT&T contributes to digital inclusivity through its participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
AT&T ACP internet plans
Specific pricing options are available to those registered in the Affordable Connectivity Program. With your ACP benefit included, prices range from $0 to $150 per month for eligible households, with a minimum data speed of 100 Mbps.
Other perks of using your benefit with AT&T internet service plans include:
- Free installation of home Wi-Fi equipment
- No data caps
- No contract
- No deposit required
AT&T ACP phone plans
You can also use your Affordable Connectivity Program benefit on an AT&T wireless plan. If you opt for AT&T postpaid phone service, your copay after the ACP discount will run between $20 and $55 per month.
Alternatively, there are three AT&T prepaid phone plan options to choose from:
- 5GB of data per month - free after ACP discount
- 15GB of data - Around $10/month after discount
- Unlimited data - Around $20/month after discount
Alternative AT&T ACP phone plans
You may have heard of low-cost carriers called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). But did you know that some of these cheaper carriers participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You might be wondering how this fact benefits you since AT&T participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program. The reason it makes sense to go with an MVNO is that you'll get more bang for your ACP buck.
For example, with a Red Pocket Mobile unlimited data plan, you'll pay around $10 a month for your AT&T cell phone plan after the ACP discount.
Boost Mobile also participates in the ACP. If you use your benefit with this MVNO, you can get a free Boost Mobile unlimited data plan.
AT&T MVNO advantages
There are other benefits of pairing a low-cost carrier with your program benefit:
- No contracts
- Add-ons like international calling
- Mobile hotspot data usage
- Bring your own phone
- Switch carriers anytime
If, by chance, you don't meet the ACP eligibility requirements, going with a budget-friendly carrier can save you up to $700 a year, more than twice the ACP benefit.
How to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program
To apply for the ACP, go to Get Internet and click the Apply button. Once you receive an eligibility confirmation, contact your preferred provider to enroll.
If you decide to use your benefit with an alternative low-cost AT&T carrier like Red Pocket Mobile or Boost Mobile, you can apply directly on their websites. Then, just pick your cell phone plan, and you'll see your discount applied to your bill almost immediately.
AT&T Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs
Any phone plan from a participating ACP provider, which includes data, is eligible for use with the program.
No, AT&T does not provide devices to use with the program discount. Red Pocket Mobile, however, does offer an ACP tablet.
You can plug your ZIP code into our search tool to find ACP companies in your area.
Recap
In essence, the AT&T Affordable Connectivity Program is an important step toward diminishing the digital divide. Flexible options are available to qualifying households, giving you the choice of home internet service or a cell phone plan.
What's more, you can add value to your ACP benefit by using a participating low-cost carrier and get even more data at no cost to you. Apply now to find out if you qualify!
