Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal benefit designed to help low-income households afford broadband internet service. It served as a successor to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) and was administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

What the ACP Was

The ACP provided two main forms of support for eligible households:

  • Monthly Discount on Internet Service:
    Eligible households received a monthly credit applied directly to their internet bill. The standard benefit was up to $30 per month nationwide.
  • Higher Support on Tribal Lands:
    Households located on qualifying Tribal lands could receive up to $75 per month toward broadband service.

The ACP was intended to reduce the cost barrier for reliable home internet, especially as digital access became increasingly essential for education, work, healthcare, and everyday communication.

ACP Free Phone Program

Eligibility Criteria (Historical)

To qualify for the ACP, a household had to meet one of the following tests:

Income-Based Eligibility

  • Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Program-Based Eligibility

Participation in one or more federal assistance programs such as:

  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
  • Medicaid
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits
  • Certain Tribal assistance programs

These criteria were used to determine qualification and verify eligibility through USAC.

Documentation and Verification

To enroll in ACP, applicants were required to provide proof of eligibility, which typically included:

  • Income documentation (e.g., pay stubs, tax return)
  • Benefit participation proof (e.g., benefit award letter)
  • Verification via the ACP application portal or approved provider

USAC’s systems were used to verify eligibility automatically when possible.

Program Sunset – ACP Is No Longer Active

As of June 1, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program ceased operation due to lack of continued federal funding. Once funding expired:

  • New applications were no longer accepted.
  • Existing ACP benefits were phased out according to provider timelines and FCC guidance.

This means the ACP is no longer available for enrollment, and households cannot apply for new benefits under this program.

What the ACP Meant for Connectivity

While active, the Affordable Connectivity Program helped millions of households reduce their monthly internet costs and remain digitally connected. Its sunset marked the end of a significant federal effort aimed at bridging the broadband affordability gap.

Although the ACP is not active now, its legacy continues to shape discussions around digital equity and the need for affordable broadband access in the United States.

ACP Alternative program