The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is winding down and no longer accepting enrollment. Benefits for those currently enrolled will end in April.
Here’s what to do:
If you currently receive the ACP benefit, you MUST contact your internet service provider to avoid any unexpected bills. Next, discuss options with your service provider. They might include:
Continuing your service without the $30/month benefit,
Changing your current plan or provider, or
Disconnecting your service.
The Lifeline program: affordable phone & internet
Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the ACP freezing enrollments on February 7th and ending the benefit in April?
Without additional funding from Congress, the allotted $14.2 billion to fund the ACP is projected to run out in April 2024 (this date is an estimate and may change). As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down the ACP – including freezing enrollment.
Q: I am currently receiving the ACP benefit — what happens next?
The benefit will cease being applied to your Internet bill when ACP funding runs out, which is currently projected to be in April 2024. You should keep an eye out for communications from your ISP, but you also should not wait to hear from them: Reach out before your benefit ends to avoid any unexpected bills. Contact your ISP to determine when billed service may begin, and make any changes — such as switching to a lower cost plan or provider — before then.
Q: What if I am eligible for the ACP, but not yet enrolled?
A: Starting February 8, 2024, no new enrollments for the remaining funding window will be accepted. If you qualified for the ACP but you did not sign up with an internet company before February 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET, then you can no longer enroll in the ACP.
Q: Will the ACP program continue?
We hope so, but no new funding has currently been authorized. A bipartisan bill to continue ACP funding has been introduced in both the House and the Senate, and you can read more about that effort here. You can also learn more about ACP advocacy via Common Sense Media.
Q: What is the Lifeline benefit?
A: Lifeline provides eligible consumers with up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services. While many utilize this benefit for mobile phone service, it can be applied to your internet bill. Learn more at https://www.lifelinesupport.org.
Additional Wind-down Resources from the FCC:
If you were/are an ACP recipient and you have had issues with your internet provider, report problems here.
For additional needs, visit FCC.gov.
The enterprise center’s acp helpline
Still have questions? Contact The Enterprise Center directly at (423) 521-2071
If The Enterprise Center is not available, please leave a voicemail and your call will be returned as quickly as possible.(English + Spanish speakers available)
These resources have been adapted from our partners at The Enterprise Center.
The Enterprise Center unites people, organizations, and technology, to build an advanced and inclusive future for our community. Learn more at www.theenterprisectr.org