Low-Income Internet Guide: These Affordable Plans Can Help Fill the ACP Gap (2024)

At the end of May, more than 23 million homes in the US saw their internet bills increase by $30 to $75 per month when the Affordable Connectivity Program officially ran out of money.The pandemic-era program was available to anyone who made less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or $62,400 for a family of four.

There have been a number of bills proposed in Congress throughout the year to extend the program, but none have been brought to a vote. Nearly half of ACP subscribers have been military families, according to a White House fact sheet. Older Americans, African Americans and Latinos have also relied on the ACP at higher rates.

“We are monitoring complaints regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program and I should add that we’ve seen a 40% increase from consumers on them because they’re upset that this program’s come to an end,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at a House subcommittee hearing this week. She added that the FCC is prepared to re-launch the program quickly if Congress passes legislation to extend funding.

Locating local internet providers

“We have systems still in place at our administrator, we still know every benefit-qualifying individual that signed up for this program and we have hundreds of outreach partners ready to go if Congress finds a way to continue this program,” Rosenworcel said.

That's a small glimmer of hope for former ACP recipients who've had to cancel their internet or find extra money in their budgets over the past two months.

Locating local internet providers

"It's been the difference between choosing to have a roof over my head, whether to eat or whether to pay for the internet, which has things like virtual appointments with my psychiatrist," Kenneth Sigler, a small-business owner from Hernando, Mississippi, who used the ACP, told CNET. "It basically helps me to keep from having to choose what bills I'm going to pay."

While there’s no single resource that can replace the $14.2 billion ACP, there are a variety of local and state subsidies, nonprofits and discounted plans from providers that can help ease the transition.Here's everything that's currently available.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal subsidy that provides $9.25 per month to low-income households for home internet or cellphone plans. Its eligibility requirements are a little stricter than those of the ACP. Your income must be 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or $40,500 for a family of four.

Lifeline income requirements

Household size48 contiguous states, DC and territoriesAlaskaHawaii
1 $19,683$24,584$22,640
2 $26,622$33,264$30,618
3 $33,561$41,945$38,597
4 $40,500$50,625$46,575
5 $47,439$59,306$54,554
6 $54,378$67,986$62,532
7 $61,317$76,667$70,511
8 $68,256$85,347$78,489
For each additional person, add: $6,939$8,681$7,979

Show more (4 items)

You can also get Lifeline if you (or someone who lives with you) participates in any of the following programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income, or SSI
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance, or FPHA
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

If you live in California, Oregon or Texas, you must check with your internet provider or visit your state's website to apply for the program.

Read more: The FCC Votes to Restore Net Neutrality. Here's What It Could Mean for You

State and local resources

Some states and cities across the country offer their own local versions of the ACP to help low-income households pay for internet. California, for example, has a website that allows you to search affordable options in your ZIP code based on various eligibility criteria, and Oregon provides an enhanced Lifeline benefit of $19.25 monthly.

Cities like Chicago offer free internet to families in Chicago public schools and eligible city colleges through its Chicago Connected program. The best way for you to find these resources is by going to Google and searching for "[location] internet resources."

You can also check to see how your state is using the $2.75 billion allocated in the Digital Equity Act to help close the digital divide.

Low-income programs from internet providers

Many internet providers have their own discounted plans available for low-income households, including , Spectrum and Xfinity. Requirements vary, but they're usually similar to the ACP: one must meet certain income requirements or participate in a federal program like SNAP or the National School Lunch Program.

Internet provider discounts

ProgramMonthly priceMaximum speed
Access from AT&T $30100Mbps
Astound Internet First $1050Mbps
Cox Connect2Compete (for families) $10100Mbps
Cox ConnectAssist (for individuals) $30100Mbps
Mediacom Connect2Compete (for families) $1025Mbps
Optimum Advantage $1550Mbps
Spectrum Internet Assist $2550Mbps
Verizon Forward $20-$8150-2,000Mbps
WOW! Internet Select 50 (for families) $1050Mbps
Xfinity Internet Essentials $1050Mbps

Show more (5 items)

To determine which providers are available in your area, enter your address on the Federal Communication Commission's broadband map.

Nonprofit organizations

There are a number of nonprofits around the country with the goal of closing the digital divide. Some help with monthly internet costs, while others provide devices that connect you to the internet. These organizations all received nonprofit status from the IRS and were vetted by watchdogs like Charity Navigator and Guidestar.org:

  • Connect All: Part of the InterConnection nonprofit, Connect All provides refurbished computers to low-income users. Eligibility requirements are similar to those of the ACP: Participation in federal programs like SNAP or SSI will automatically qualify you for devices.
  • EveryoneOn: EveryoneOn is one of the most wide-ranging internet nonprofits out there. You can use its locator tool to find low-cost plans and computers in your area, enroll in digital skills courses and find local events that distribute devices.
  • Human-I-T: This nonprofit accepts donations from corporations, refurbishes the devices and sells them at a discount to veterans, low-income households, seniors and other groups that qualify. It also offers low-cost internet through its mobile hotspot devices for less than $30 per month.
  • Internet for All Now: This is an initiative of the nonprofit California Emerging Technology Fund that helps Californians find low-cost plans in their area. People in California can call and speak with a trained expert, but the website has resources that anyone in the country can use.
  • National Digital Inclusion Alliance: The NDIA is a well-known hub for research and policy aiming to close the digital divide, and while it doesn't offer low-cost internet itself, it's a helpful resource for navigating what's out there. You can also use this map of NDIA affiliates providing broadband adoption services to see what's available in your area.

Explore other internet plans in your area

If your bill's going up dramatically with the end of the ACP, another option is to search for other internet providers in your area. Most ISPs offer plans under $50 monthly, and you can often find additional discounts for things like bundling with a cellphone plan or signing an annual contract.

Purchasing your own equipment can also save you some extra money each month. It usually costs around $15 to rent a modem and router from your internet provider, while you can buy your own for as little as $100, especially if you go with refurbished equipment. That said, you'll need to ensure your modem is compatible with your provider before you purchase.

More broadband news on CNET

  • $90 Billion vs. the Digital Divide: Is It Enough to Fix Internet Access in the US?
  • Internet Aid Cut: How the Loss of FCC's ACP May Worsen the Mental Health Crisis
  • Broadband 'Nutrition Labels' Could Make It Easier to Shop for Internet Service
Low-Income Internet Guide: These Affordable Plans Can Help Fill the ACP Gap (2024)

FAQs

Low-Income Internet Guide: These Affordable Plans Can Help Fill the ACP Gap? ›

AT&T is the best ACP provider due to its widespread availability and affordably priced plans for ACP-approved customers. AT&T Access plan offers internet speed up to 100 Mbps for $0/mo to eligible customers.

Who has the best ACP program? ›

AT&T is the best ACP provider due to its widespread availability and affordably priced plans for ACP-approved customers. AT&T Access plan offers internet speed up to 100 Mbps for $0/mo to eligible customers.

How long does it take for ACP to approve? ›

It can take around 10-15 minutes to be approved or rejected. Once you have your approved application ID and you apply it to your internet service account, it can take another two days to receive confirmation.

Did Congress pass the ACP program in 2024? ›

Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP ran out of funds and has ended for now, effective June 1, 2024. As a result, all ACP households will no longer receive the ACP discount.

How long is the ACP program going to last? ›

If your household is eligible, you have to be both approved and enrolled with an internet company by that time. After midnight, no more enrollments will be accepted. April 2024: That's the anticipated timeframe for the end of funding.

Which ACP program has unlimited data? ›

SafeLink provides the free benefits you need to stay connected – with Unlimited Data, Unlimited Talk & Text, plus Hotspot Data to those who qualify for Lifeline + the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

How much does ACP pay per month? ›

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal program that offered eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands.

Can I use ACP for both internet and cell phone? ›

Can I use the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for my internet and phone bill? You can only use ACP benefits for one service. ACP benefits can be applied to both internet and phone, but must be applied to one service at a time, not both.

Why is ACP ending? ›

Unfortunately, funding for the ACP has expired, and the FCC has ended the program for now and shut off support that made broadband affordable for so many people across the country. It is not too late to save the Nation's largest broadband affordability program.

Does ACP give you a laptop? ›

The organization offers free laptops, digital skills training, and affordable internet through the ACP to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

How can I get $10 dollars a month on wifi? ›

Yes, you can get free or discounted internet with food stamps. Programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline offer subsidies to eligible households, potentially lowering your monthly bill to $10 or even making it free. Check with your internet provider or the ACP website to see if you qualify.

What program is replacing ACP? ›

Lifeline. Lifeline is a federal subsidy that provides $9.25 per month to low-income households for home internet or cellphone plans. Its eligibility requirements are a little stricter than those of the ACP. Your income must be 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or $40,500 for a family of four.

How long will the Affordable Connectivity Program last in 2024? ›

ACP ended on May 31, 2024. Congress could pass legislation to renew the program, but we will have a gap beginning June 1, 2024 for ACP-eligible households.

Who is the largest ACP provider? ›

FCC data shows Charter is largest ACP provider at $910M FCC data shows Charter is largest ACP provider at $910M. FCC data shows Charter as the largest provider in both the Emergency Broadband Benefit and Affordable Connectivity Program, taking in $1.5 billion since 2021.

Who has the best free government phone? ›

Top Lifeline companies like Assurance Wireless, Q Link Wireless and SafeLink Wireless offer free smartphones and plans with up to 350 monthly minutes and unlimited texts. Phones use the networks of major carriers so you get nationwide coverage. Internet data may also be included.

Can I use ACP for two different companies? ›

If you are receiving a ACP benefit from another service provider, you may ask us to transfer your benefit to All Points Broadband, which means you will lose the benefit with your current provider once you are enrolled with All Points Broadband. A household can only receive one ACP benefit at a time.

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