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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 covering your internet or phone bill feels like a financial challenge, you're not alone. Fortunately, there's help available in the form of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
This FCC initiative can help you get a discounted or even free cell phone plan through low-cost carrier Red Pocket Mobile. Even better, Red Pocket Mobile participates in the device discount part of the ACP.
In this article, we'll explore what Red Pocket Mobile offers through the ACP and guide you on how to enroll in the program.
What is the Red Pocket Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program?
So, what exactly is the Affordable Connectivity Program, and how can it assist you? This program is part of a government initiative administered by the FCC aimed at helping eligible households get affordable internet services.
Red Pocket Mobile, a low-cost carrier, has partnered with the ACP to offer discounted or even free cell phone plans to qualified customers.
Red Pocket Mobile ACP benefits
As an eligible customer, you can receive the following benefits:
- A monthly discount of up to $30 for mobile broadband services.
- A monthly service discount of up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of $100 off the purchase of a tablet
For more details on how to maximize benefits while residing on Tribal lands, consult our comprehensive guide to enhanced Tribal benefit.
Red Pocket Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program plans
Red Pocket Mobile ACP plans are powered by the AT&T network. Available options include:
- 10GB high-speed data with unlimited talk & text - free
- 25GB high-speed data with unlimited talk & text - around $10/month
- 50GB high-speed data with unlimited talk & text - around $20/month
All Red Pocket Mobile plans come with the following features:
- Mobile hotspot use
- Free global texting
- Unlimited calling to 80+ INTL countries
- Free international calling credit to anywhere else worldwide
- Free international roaming in Canada & Mexico
Red Pocket Mobile Affordable Connectivity device discount
If you need a connected device to go with your data plan, Red Pocket Mobile has your back. This carrier is one of the few participating providers to take part in the ACP device discount, with an 8" tablet available at a nominal cost when you use your benefit.
Options may vary depending on when you apply. Check with your preferred participating provider to verify current ACP offerings.
Red Pocket Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility
To qualify for the Red Pocket Mobile ACP (formerly known as Red Pocket Mobile EBB), you or another member of your household must meet at least one of these criteria:
- Household income falls at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Or participation in certain government assistance programs, such as:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Lifeline
- Free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program
- Federal Pell Grant recipient in the current award year
Or participation in Tribal-specific programs like:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income-based)
Remember, if you're part of any of these programs and also reside on qualifying Tribal lands, you may be eligible for a benefit of up to $75.
How to apply for Red Pocket Mobile ACP
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program with Red Pocket Mobile:
- Visit Get Internet, click the Apply button, and follow the step-by-step instructions.
- Go to the Red Pocket Mobile ACP page to contact the carrier for further instructions.
Required documents for ACP application
You may be required to provide specific documents to verify your identity and participation in qualifying government assistance programs. The list may include:
- A valid ID such as a driver's license, passport, Tribal ID, military ID, or Green Card
- Proof of income, including paystubs, tax returns, or Social Security benefit statements
- Documentation supporting your Federal Pell Grant
- A benefit verification letter confirming your approval for government programs like Medicaid or SNAP
The system will first attempt to automatically qualify you, and you'll receive a notification if additional documentation is needed.
Need more details? We've got you covered with a comprehensive guide on how to apply for ACP.
What to do if you don't qualify for the ACP
Don't fret if you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can still save up to $700 a year by switching to Red Pocket Mobile or another cost-effective carrier.
These smaller carriers, known as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), utilize the same networks as major players like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, offering reliable 4G LTE and 5G wireless coverage at a fraction of the price.
Advantages of MVNOs:
Here's why switching to a low-cost carrier makes sense:
- Affordable plans
- No contract
- Bring your own phone
- Extra perks like international calling and roaming
- Access to mobile hotspot usage
- Switch carriers whenever you want
Explore Red Pocket Mobile plans to see how much money you could save on your cell phone bill by switching.
Plans start at about $10 a month, which means you can keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket without sacrificing quality or coverage.
Red Pocket Mobile ACP FAQs:
Yes. Both new and existing customers can take advantage of the program as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
No. You must use both portions of the ACP benefit with the same participating provider.
No, although they're related. The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) at the end of 2021.
Recap
Red Pocket Mobile offers affordable plans, allowing you to get more bang for your buck with your ACP benefit. Choose from a range of feature-packed plans, most of which end up being free.
Even if you don't qualify, you'll save hundreds of dollars a year by switching to a prepaid cell phone plan from a low-cost carrier, so you really can't lose!
