First introduced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 2022, the Affordable Connectivity Program is a benefit program that was created for households that cannot afford access to broadband networks.
WIFI within a home helps support families relying on networks for work, school, groceries and more. The benefit program, “provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 a month for households on qualifying Tribal lands,” according to the FCC.
Limited to one discount per household, the program also helps to support giving access to devices that are needed to access the internet. Things like laptops, desktop computers and tablets are all common devices that families can also receive discounts on.
Those eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program include families and households whose income is 200% below or at the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or, if a household member falls under one of these criteria:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program
- Participates in one of these assistance programs: Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Uses SNAP, Medicaid or more
Replacing the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, the ACP will assist over nine million customers. Households can apply to participate in the ACP online on the FCC website.
For more information, visit fcc.gov/acp.
