MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
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.
In our fast-paced world, access to reliable internet has become essential. But what if you struggle to pay your internet bill?
Fortunately, we've got a pro tip to share with you. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal assistance program that helps low-income families with affordable broadband service.
Below, you'll find your guide to the Windstream Affordable Connectivity Program. We'll cover the basics of who qualifies, as well as how you can sign up.
What is the Windstream Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC initiative that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). In other words, it's another program that helps low-income households get reasonably priced internet service.
Windstream participates in the ACP, allowing eligible customers to apply the ACP benefit to their high-speed internet plan.
Windstream Affordable Connectivity Program benefits
So, what does that mean for you? It means you can receive:
- A monthly service discount of up to $30 on your internet service bill
- Up to $75 off your monthly internet bill if you live in qualifying Tribal lands
According to the USAC (Universal Service Administrative Co.), the benefit is limited to one monthly service discount per household.
Windstream Affordable Connectivity Program plans
You can apply your benefit to any Windstream Kinetic Internet plan.
Here are a couple of examples of what you might pay with the ACP benefit:
- 500 Mbps download speeds - $10/month with ACP discount
- 1 Gig upload & download speeds - $40/month with ACP
- 2 Gig or 8 Gig speeds - prices vary by location
Bear in mind that plan prices may vary depending on your location, so it's a good idea to check out what Windstream offers in your specific area.
Windstream Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility
There are a couple of ways to qualify for the ACP. You may qualify if your total household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Or, you might be eligible if you or someone in your household participates in a federal government benefit program, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Free or reduced-price school lunch program
- Lifeline program
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Veterans' pension or survivors' benefit
A qualifying Tribal-specific program can also confirm eligibility:
- Tribal TANF
- Tribal Head Start (income-based)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Learn more about whether you qualify as a household residing on qualifying Tribal lands in our guide to the Enhanced Tribal Benefit.
How to apply for the Windstream ACP
Windstream makes it easy to apply for their ACP enrollment:
- Complete Windstream's National Verifier application.
- Select your Kinetic Internet plan.
- Request your credit using Windstream's online request form.
You may be asked to supply additional documentation proving your identity and qualifications. This could include your state ID or passport, a benefit verification letter, or other documents as proof.
For a detailed overview and the required document checklist, consult our guide on How to Apply for ACP.
What if you don't qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Even if you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the ACP, there are still ways to save money and stay connected.
Consider switching to a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) to potentially save up to $700 annually. MVNOs are low-cost carriers that use major networks like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to offer 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage.
Benefits of MVNOs
Here's what you'll gain by switching carriers:
- Save half or more off your phone plan
- No contracts
- Bring your own phone
- Flexible plans
- Freedom to switch carriers whenever you want
You can compare phone plans now to get our top recommendations and learn how much you can save on the monthly cost of your phone plan.
Windstream Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs
You can apply your Affordable Connectivity Program benefit to any Kinetic Internet plan Windstream offers.
Many internet service providers and cell phone carriers participate in the program. Enter your ZIP code into our handy tool to find ACP companies in your area.
See our comprehensive guide, Do You Qualify for ACP? for detailed information.
Recap
To sum it up, Windstream is a participating provider in the Affordable Connectivity Program. They provide internet service to eligible households at a lower cost.
If, for some reason, you don't meet the eligibility criteria, consider exploring the potential savings by switching to an MVNO for your cell phone plan.
Regardless of your situation, now is the perfect time to take action to reduce your internet expenses and keep more money in your pocket!
