On December 31, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $14.2 billion program passed under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The ACP is a long-term replacement for the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which was created during the pandemic to help people in need afford internet access.
The goal of the ACP is to provide millions of people with at-home internet access, especially in communities and areas that have historically faced many obstacles in gaining access. The ACP offers eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month for internet services and a maximum $75 per month for those on qualifying tribal lands. The FCC has also stated that eligible homes can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, computer, or tablet from participating providers, including T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase.
“The response to the Emergency Broadband Benefit proved what many knew to be true: the cost of high-speed internet is out of reach for too many of us,” said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Now with the long-term Affordable Connectivity Program, we have the opportunity to enroll even more households and help ensure they can afford the internet connections they need for work, school, healthcare, and more for years.”
Any households enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. Current EBB recipients who wish to continue receiving the ACP benefit after March 1, 2022, will receive next steps outlining how to do so in the coming weeks. Any households not currently enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, will need to enroll directly into the ACP.
To find out who is eligible for the new ACP program, visit the FCC’s website at https://www.fcc.gov/acp for more information.