Have you heard of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? It’s a federal initiative that provides free or discounted high-speed broadband to qualifying households across the country.
Why it matters: Closing the digital divide is a national priority. The Affordable Connectivity Program – and its partnership with internet service providers (ISPs) – plays an important part in enabling millions of Americans to access the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.
In total, 51.6 million households are eligible to benefit from the ACP.
How Does the Affordable Connectivity Program Work?
Here’s a quick rundown: The ACP provides a subsidy of up to $30/month towards internet service for eligible households (up to $75/month for those on Tribal lands). ISPs participating in the program have rolled out high-speed plans with 100 Mbps download speeds of $30/month or less for ACP customers.
By applying their subsidy to these plans, households that qualify for ACP can receive high-speed internet at no cost.
How Do You Sign Up for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
It’s easy – visit the ACP website and complete these three steps.
- Find out if you qualify.
- Apply for the ACP either online, by mail, or by contacting your current internet company.
- Use this tool to find an internet company that offers ACP discounts and contact them.
Addressing America’s digital divide requires a multifaceted approach, with the Affordable Connectivity Program being a pivotal component. For more information on what is being done to increase broadband accessibility, click here.
