The National Digital Inclusion Alliance has launched a brand new webpage dedicated to answering frequently asked questions about the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) at the beginning of 2022. With the ACP, eligible households can receive a discount of $30 per month, or $75 per month for residents of tribal lands, to help cover internet access and can also receive a one-time discount of $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet. Since the ACP made its official debut, the NDIA has been compiling questions they’ve frequently been asked about topics such as eligibility, enrollment assistance and consumer support. Now, they’ve created an easy-to-access resource where you can easily find the answers you’ve been looking for.
When you visit the webpage, you will first be greeted with general information regarding the ACP. Scroll down a bit, and you will find a webinar called “What You Need to Know about the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program.” The webinar is around 50 minutes long, and is a must-watch for anyone wanting to learn more about the ACP. From there, if you keep scrolling down the page, you will find a section devoted to answering those frequently asked questions. The NDIA has divided those questions into 10 different categories:
Eligibility
Eligible Services & Devices
Application & Enrollment
Outreach & Enrollment Assistance
Data
Consumer Protection
Bulk Purchasing
Consumer Support & Resources
Citizenship Status
High-cost Area Enhanced Benefit
Some of the questions answered include:
Can individuals residing in homeless shelters receive an ACP benefit? (Eligibility)
Can applying for ACP jeopardize my ability to obtain a green card or sponsor a family member under the public charge test? (Citizenship Status)
What is the “Navigator Pilot Program”? (Outreach & Enrollment Assistance)
Can the ACP benefit be applied to the initial installation charge? (Eligible Services & Devices)
How do I apply for ACP? (Application & Enrollment )
Whether you are a community member working to help your neighbors apply for ACP benefits or you are interested in applying yourself, this FAQ index is a helpful resource.
Earlier this month, Thrive kicked off our Connected Communities program in collaboration with our partners at The Enterprise Center. Through this program, we will be hosting a series of workshops in local communities across the region to help residents learn more about the ACP and other resources to support connectivity. Keep an eye out for additional upcoming workshop dates and locations near you!
For now, we encourage you to check out this resource and to take advantage of these savings if you are eligible. Together, we can eliminate the digital divide in the greater Chattanooga region.