FCC launches Affordable Connectivity Program

The FCC has officially launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers discounts on monthly internet service fees to low-income Americans, as part of its efforts to make broadband internet more accessible.

This is the $14.2 billion successor program to the Emergency Broadband Benefit that helped nearly nine million people afford internet access during the pandemic earlier this year. Tens of millions of Americans had to use internet to work and study from home, with students from poorer families who had unreliable internet connections at greater risk of falling behind with schoolwork.

A discount of up to $30 per month on broadband services is provided to eligible households, while qualifying tribal land households can receive up to $75 a month. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

T-Mobile and AT&T announced Thursday they are joining the ACP and will provide their customers with the set discounts.

The ACP is being offered to homes that meet at least one of the following criteria: having an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; being enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, WIC, or Lifeline; participating in Tribal specific programs; having a child enrolled in a free or reduced price school lunch program; receiving a federal Pell Grant; or meeting the eligibility for a participating internet service provider's existing low-income program.

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