What is the ACP?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal benefit program designed to support low-income households accessing affordable internet services.
Eligible households in Philadelphia were able to get:
- Up to a $30 per month discount on broadband service.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. The household must contribute between $10 and $50 toward the price of the device.
What is happening to the ACP?
Unfortunately, the ACP funds are set to run out by the end by May 2024 and right now there is no additional funding from Congress to support connectivity for low-income users.
What does this mean for me, someone who uses the ACP benefit for affordable internet?
- Discounted Service Will End: Enrolled households will continue to receive the full ACP benefit through the end of April 2024. Some participants will receive a partial discount until the end of May, when the program funds will be fully exhausted.
- Changes to your Internet or Phone Bill: The final fully funded month is April of 2024, ACP customers should have received their final discount on their April 1, 2024, invoice.
- Flexibility in Service Plans: ACP households will not be charged termination fees or fees for changing plans with the same or different ACP internet company.
Stay Informed and Get Prepared:
- Regular Updates: Consistently check emails, text messages, and mail for notices from your internet or phone company about how the ACP ending may impact your internet or phone bill.
- Inquiries and Options: Contact your internet company and ask if they have a lower cost plan and/or a low-income program. When calling, have account and billing verification information.
- Additional Information: Visit the FCC’s website at fcc.gov/acp or https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/ for FAQs and guidance about the ACP wind-down process.
- Direct Assistance: Contact a Digital Navigator! Dial 2-1-1 to schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Digital Navigator and learn about your options for affordable internet. The hotline operates 24/7 and is available in 150 languages. Press 8 for language services.