Affordable Connectivity Program

Important News: On January 11, the FCC released an Order announcing the wind-down requirements of the Affordable Connectivity Program, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. On March 4, the FCC provided further information in a Public Notice that announced the last fully funded month of the program is April 2024. Providers currently participating in the ACP are strongly encouraged to review the FCC’s Order and Public Notice, which set out requirements regarding the specific and frequent notices to enrolled ACP households about the end of the program.

Program Overview

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services for eligible consumers. Consumers who live on qualifying Tribal lands can receive enhanced support of up to $75 per month toward broadband services.

Additionally, the program provides a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. The one-time discount requires a consumer co-payment of more than $10 and less than $50.

Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting consumer applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. Households currently enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive the benefit until the program ends.

USAC’s Role

The FCC engaged the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to implement the ACP using the framework of the (now defunct) Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and the (currently active) Lifeline program. These two FCC programs similarly provide affordable voice and broadband service to low-income consumers. The ACP leverages the National Eligibility Verifier, the National Lifeline Accountability Database, and the Affordable Connectivity Claims System for subscriber eligibility, enrollment, and service provider reimbursement.