The Affordable Connectivity Program
Resources for Next Century Cities Members
Anticipated ACP Wind-Down Timeline
Date | Activity |
January 25, 2024 | Deadline for first of three required provider notices to ACP households, which must be provided no later than 14 days after release of the Order. |
February 7, 2024 | Final day for households to enroll in the program. The Bureau and USAC will stop reviewing new provider application and election notices, as well as applications for alternate verification processes at 6:00 p.m. EST. USAC systems will become unavailable for consumer application and enrollment processing, effective 11:59 p.m. EST. |
February 8, 2024 | ACP enrollment freeze begins and no new providers will be approved to participate in the program. Late February 2024* Anticipated timing of Bureau announcement of last fully funded month of ACP and projected amount available for reimbursement after the last fully funded month, if applicable. Second of three required provider notices to ACP households must be provided no later than 15 days after the Bureau announcement. |
April 1, 2024 | Participating providers must submit to USAC their reimbursement claims for discounted service provided to households for the February 1 uniform snapshot date and all claims and upward revisions for preceding months. |
April 2024* | Projected final service month for which ACP can fully reimburse providers for ACP discounts. |
May 2024* | Partial provider claims for discounted service provided during this month may be available if funding remains. |
* Assuming a last fully funded month of April 2024 | |
Resources and News
- Federal Communications Commission ACP Wind-down Order (Jan. 11, 2023)
- How the FCC Plans to End the Affordable Connectivity Program (Drew Garner, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Jan. 12, 2024)
- Welch, Vance, Rosen, Cramer, Clarke and Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to Continue Closing the Digital Divide (Jan. 10, 2023)
Affordable Connectivity Program Overview
When can I apply?
You can apply immediately!
There are two steps to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program:
1) Go to ACPBenefit.org to submit an online application or print out a mail-in application.
2) Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for fast, affordable, and reliable broadband to support distance learning, remote work, and telehealth. For those in low-income households, maintaining an Internet connection often means choosing between other necessities. To address the immediate need for Internet access, Congress created the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (“EBB”) to address affordability, one of the main barriers to adoption.
After a successful year of over 8.5 million enrollments, Congress recognized the need to codify a permanent affordability program and created the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”). The program, run by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”), offers a monthly discount to offset the cost of broadband Internet subscriptions, helping those that are struggling with connectivity. In addition, the program provides a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop, or tablet computer.
Most Emergency Broadband Benefit recipients fully enrolled as of December 31, 2021 were automatically enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program as of March 1, 2022. The benefit for recipients not living on Tribal lands was reduced from $50 to $30 per month. Residents living on qualifying Tribal lands should continue receiving up to a $75 per month benefit under the ACP. You can learn more the program transition by visiting fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
Various broadband providers, including those offering wired, wireless, and mobile broadband will be participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Depending on where you live, you may have a choice of providers. Check with the broadband providers in your area to learn about their plans for program participation and eligible service offerings. You can find a list of participating providers by state and territory by clicking the button below.
A household is eligible if one member of the household:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. 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.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Eligible households on Tribal lands can receive a total monthly discount of up to $75. You can find out more about which areas are eligible Tribal lands by visiting this site.
Resources from the Universal Service Administrative Company
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is a non-governmental organization tasked with the administration of the FCC’s various broadband assistance programs, including the Affordable Connectivity Program. USAC’s Affordable Connectivity Program support hotline, (877) 384-2575, is open from 9am to 9pm EST, seven days a week. Consumers and providers can also email ACPSupport@usac.org with program questions.
Data Visualization Tools
- The Benton Institute For Broadband & Society ACP Performance Tool
- Institute for Self-Reliance ACP Dashboard
- Digital Progress ACP Map
- Education Superhighway ACP Dashboard
- Slow Internet? Find Out What Side of the Digital Divide You’re On (The Markup)
Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program
You can apply for ACP Outreach Grants until January 9, 2023!
There are four Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Programs:
• National Competitive Outreach Program (NCOP)
• Tribal Competitive Outreach Program (TCOP)
• Your Home, Your Internet (YHYI) Outreach Grants
• Navigator Pilot Program (NPP) Outreach Grants
National Competitive Outreach Program
Applications Due January 9, 2023
Funds outreach activities to increase awareness of and encourage participation in the ACP for eligible low-income households.
Tribal Competitive Outreach Program
Applications Due January 9, 2023
Funds outreach activities to increase awareness of and encourage participation in the ACP for households on Tribal lands.
Your Home Your Internet Pilot Program
Applications Due January 9, 2023
Provide funding to eligible state, local, and Tribal housing agencies (including housing authorities) or non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and tenant association partners to federal, state, local, or Tribal housing agencies (including housing authorities) for outreach activities (including application assistance) to increase awareness and encourage participation in the ACP for households receiving federal housing assistance. YHYI funding will only be provided to entities that are selected to participate in the YHYI Outreach Grants.
ACP Navigator Pilot Program
Applications Due January 9, 2023
Provide funding to support outreach activities (including application assistance) by trusted, neutral third-party entities, such as schools and school districts, or other local or state government entities to increase awareness and encourage participation in the ACP among eligible households. NPP funding will only be provided to entities that are selected to participate in the ACP Navigator Pilot Program.
Communities Hard At Work
Learn about ways Next Century Cities and our member communities are working to inform residents about the Affordable Connectivity Program and get as many homes connected to the subsidy program. Check back often for updates on the latest advocacy from coast to coast.
Local, State, and Federal Outreach Examples
- Carson, California | Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes issued a statement in a press release discussing the EBB program.
- Tucson, Arizona | Shared an informational flyer and issued a press release on their website.
- Tazewell County, Virginia | Tazewell County Public Schools (TCPS) contributed an article to a local newspaper sharing information about the EBB program.
- Woodland Public Schools, Washington | Made information about the program available online and included contact information for the Family and Community Resource Center for additional support.
- Seattle, Washington | The Office of Information Technology has a Low-Cost Internet Access resource web page which includes information about the EBB program.
- Fairfax County, Virginia | includes EBB program information with COVID-19 broadband resources.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico | The City hosts a map that displays public WiFi locations and also includes information about the EBB program on the webpage.
- Portland, Oregon | Made informational web pages available on the EBB Enrollment Process and EBB on Tribal Lands.
- Centre County, Pennsylvania | The County posted EBB flyer on their website.
- Homer, Alaska | The City shared information about the FCC’s April 27th EBB webinar on its website.
- Somerville, Massachusetts | The City shared information on their website and allowed residents to sign up for alerts.
- York County, Virginia | The EBB is included in the County’s Benefit Programs web page.
- Boston, Massachusetts | The City’s Digital Equity Fund web page includes a link to the FCC’s EBB page.
- San Miguel County, Colorado | The County posted a Tweet with a graphic publicizing the EBB and a link to more information.
- Montgomery County, Virginia | The County posted a news update on their website promoting the EBB.
- Fort Worth, Texas | The City posted a news article promoting the EBB on their website.
- Bossier Parish, Louisiana | Added a news update about the EBB to its website.
- Blue Earth County, Minnesota | Posted a news alert on the County website.
- Burke County, North Carolina | Issued a news alert about the EBBP.
- Lincoln, Nebraska | During the Mayor’s Neighborhood Roundtable, a provider representative shared information about the EBB and basic details are included in the meeting agenda.
- Cambridge, Massachusetts | The City released a comprehensive digital equity study, which includes a recommendation that the City promote the EBB.
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, Apr 15, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living included an announcement about the EBB program on its website.
- U.S. Congressman Tom O’Halleran’s Internet Access web page includes information about the EBB.
- Department of Education launched an outreach campaign that includes resources for school districts and universities who can help reach eligible students.
- Senator Heinrich encouraged New Mexicans to apply for EBBP.
- Gov. Evers and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin are urging eligible residents to apply for the EBB program.
- The Maine Department of Education contributed an article to a community newspaper discussing the announcement of the EBB program and directing readers to the FCC’s website.
- Governor Cuomo announced the launch of New York’s Affordable Broadband Portal, which helps residents find EBB providers.
- Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma makes EBB program information available on its website.
- Connecticut Office of State Broadband released a fact sheet answering questions about the EBB program.
- The Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development includes the EBB program information alongside a list of COVID-19 broadband resources on its website.
- The Minnesota Department of Broadband Development includes EBB program information on its digital inclusion web page.
- The Kansas Corporation Commission publicized local EBB providers through a press release.
- The Maine Health and Human Services Department included an announcement about the EBB program on its website.
- The New York State Broadband Program Office announced participating EBB providers in a press release.
- Governor Polis of Colorado has announced that state agencies will work to connect eligible residents with the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
- Western New York Library Resources Council made this EBB resource guide, https://wnylrc.libguides.com/EmergencyBroadbandBenefit/Home
- Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development posted an alert about the EBB on its COVID Recovery Resource Center web page.
- The Western New York Library Resources Council has added an Emergency Broadband Benefit resource page to their website.
- Ohio-K12 Help, which offers support for educators, included EBB program resources on its RemotEDx Connectivity Champions page and assists families in enrolling in the program.
- NC State shared resources about the EBB program online and includes a point of contact at the University who can provide assistance with enrollment.
- New York launched an Affordable Internet portal.
- California added the EBB to its list of COVID-19 support programs.
- The Washington DC Mayor’s Office issued a press release promoting the program.
- The Michigan Public Service Commission issued a press release promoting the EBB. Michigan Public Service Commissioner Tremaine Phillips said that, “As the COVID-19 pandemic has made clear, having high-speed internet access at home isn’t a luxury, but a necessity so that people have access to critical services such as remote learning and telemedicine and maintain the ability to stay in contact with family and friends during a difficult and isolating time.”
- In Pennsylvania, the departments of Human Services, Labor & Industry, and Education partnered to promote the EBB.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated disparities in access to services that have long existed in our community, especially when it comes to the digital divide. I encourage all Tucsonans who are eligible to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit to either help purchase a device or lower your internet bill.”
“My colleagues and I are thankful for this great program critically needed by students and the unemployed to get digitally connected. A $50 monthly credit towards internet bills will bring noticeable relief to those affected by this pandemic."
The Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Emergency Broadband Benefit transitioned to the Affordable Connectivity Program on January 1, 2022. The below information is a highlight of NCC's work to support the EBB. For the most up to date information on the ACP, look above.
“A pivotal part of Tucson’s economic resiliency is ensuring quality and affordable broadband is accessible to the entire community. The past year has shown how essential reliable internet access is for connecting to school, work, and countless other services. I was proud to champion the City of Tucson’s WiFi program, targeting key areas of need in our community. Now, thanks to President Biden and our federal leadership, everyone has the opportunity to receive free and fast online access.”
“While we have worked hard to provide access to households who do not have internet access at home through our wireless access points in the school parking lots and hot spots for online learners, this benefit program will help families to bring the internet into their own homes. It is not limited to online students and can, therefore, help a multitude of families within our communities. Families interested in participating should review the information at the website below for a list of participating providers and additional important information. I am pleased to serve as an outreach partner for this program, which means that we will keep our stakeholders updated by posting additional information as it becomes available on our division website.”
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