Check out a complete guide to What is Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Emergency Broadband Benefit EBB free phone, tablet & laptop offers from US Government.
A life without the Internet nowadays seems impossible, which has taken over smartphones and smartwatches as well. Pandemic has more stress on having a reliable Internet connection at home. It is essential to work from home, study online, or keep us entertained when the social gathering was impossible. But, using the network data connection the whole day can surely put a hole in our pocket. So, affordable broadband is what we need in our daily lives.
Federal Communication Commission has announced a new program for low-income families to provide internet at discount. Earlier in 2021 Emergency broadband benefit program was established for low-income people who lost their jobs in COVID-19. Now Affordable Connectivity Program has been introduced to meet the needs of the poor for broadband connections at home. More than 10 million households are now connected with this program to save money.
One has to meet the criteria to qualify for this program. The qualified member will get a discount of $30/month and for tribal areas, $75 has been set by FCC. Wow! That's a great benefit.
This article will be long and so I have divided this into various small parts. Here are all the details about the ACP program by FCC -
- Eligibility
- Documents Needed
- Providers List
- Statewise List
- Apply
- Free Phone
- Phone Number
- Free Tablet Government
- How to get Free Tablet
- Near Me
- Verizon
- FAQs
Which Internet service providers provide internet under Affordable connectivity program?
The internet service providers which are associated with ACP are , CenturyLink, Frontier, QLink Wireless, Google Fiber, Optimum, Sparklight, Spectrum, Starry Internet, Suddenlink, T-Mobile, Verizon, Xfinity, and many more.
Affordable Connectivity Program Eligibility | EBB Program
People with low income are only eligible for the qualifying Affordable connectivity program. A household is eligible for an Affordable connectivity program if the household income is less than 200% as per the Federal Poverty Guideline or an if a member of the household meets the following criteria -
- If any member of your family qualifies for the Lifeline program(a program that provides discounts on the telephone, broadband, and voice packages) are eligible for ACP. Through the Lifeline program, a discount of $9 a month and $34 a month for tribal areas will be given.
- If any member of your family participates in Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental security income, and women, child, and infants special supplemental nutrition program you can be eligible for ACP.
- Participated in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, tribal TANF, and food distribution programs on Indian reservations.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for participating providers in existing low-income internet programs or
- If the household income is less than 200%, what does this mean?
| No.of People in HouseHold | Poverty Guideline |
| 1 | $25,760 |
| 2 | $38,840 |
| 3 | $43,920 |
| 4 | $53000 |
| 5 | $62,080 |
| 6 | $71,160 |
| 7 | $80,240 |
| 8 | $89,230 |
For each additional person after eight, you can add $9080 to the final amount listed. The numbers are high for Alaska and Hawaii residents.
If any criteria above-mentioned have been met, the qualifier will be able to enjoy a one-time discount of $100 on a desktop computer, tablet, or laptop.
An eligible household can Skip the line?
What is skipping the line? Skip the line means if you are a part of the Lifeline program, you can directly contact your internet service provider to enroll for ACP. This means you don't have to feel in the form at the ACP site. You just need to follow up with the ISP and make sure it has been elected by FCC for this program.
Keep Your PaperWork Ready
If by any chance you're unable to skip the step, be prepared to keep all the important documents ready to apply for ACP. You will need proof of income, including either a tax return, pay stub, social security statement of benefits, or proof of program participation.
You directly qualify if you meet the following 4 criteria -
- Participates in one of these assistance programs:
- The National School Breakfast Program or the School Lunch Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- or Lifeline;
- Tribal People: Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program i.e., your income should be 200% less than the Federal Poverty line;
Affordable Connectivity Providers:
A number of telecom networks in the USA have been authorized to operate and run this service. Among the known providers includes -
- Assurance Wireless
- Boomerang Wireless
- QLink Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Century Link
- Frontier Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Blue Jay Wireless
- Feelsafe Wireless
- Safetynet Wireless
- Standup Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Tempo
- Terracom Wireless
- TruConnect
- Easy Wireless
- Choice Wireless
- Starry Internet
- Suddenlink
- Xfinity
- Xcess Telecom
Any mobile network can apply for inclusion under this program.
ACP Statewise List:
Here is the list of State-wise service providers -
| State | Free Phone Service Providers |
| Alabama | T-Mobile, Access, CSpire, PineBelt Communications, Southern Linc, Twire |
| Alaska | Copper Valley Telecom, GCI, Cordova Telecom Cooperative, TelAlaska |
| Arizona | Access, Blue Jay, enTouch, Terracom, CellularOne, Choice Wireless |
| Arkansas | Access, Assist, Easy Wireless, True Wireless, Standup Wireless, Budget Mobile, Cintex, enTouch, Life Wireless, Standup, Tag Mobile, True Wireless, Wireless for Hope |
| Colorado | Access, Blue Jay Wireless, Choice Wireless, enTouch, Terracom, Viaero Wireless |
| Georgia | Southern Linc, Life Wireless, SafeNet Wireless, T-Mobile |
| Hawaii | Sandwich Isles Communications Inc, T-Mobile |
| Idaho | Inland Cellular, T-Mobile, Assurance |
| Illinois | Access, American assistance, IV Cellular, Platinum Tell Wireless, Life Wireless, Assurance |
| Kentucky | Access, American Assistance, Blue Jay Wireless, Budget Mobile, Easy Wireless, Feelsafe Wireless, SafetyNet, Tag Mobile, TruConnect, New Phone Wireless, T-Mobile, |
| Louisiana | Standup Wireless, Access Wireless, Budget Mobile, enTouch Wireless, Life Wireless, Tag Mobile, T-Mobile, Wireless for Hope |
| MaryLand | True Wireless, Assurance |
| Michigan | ThumbCellular, Assurance |
| Mississippi | Cspire, Southern Linc |
| Missouri | NorthWest Missouri Cellular |
| Nebraska | Viaero Wireless |
| Nevada | Choice Wireless, Assurance |
| New Mexico | Choice Wireless |
| North Dakota | Red Rock Telecom |
| Oklahoma | Pine Cellular, Panhandle Telecommunications Systems |
| South Dakota | Red Rock Telecom, Assurance |
| Texas | Panhandle Telecommunications Systems, West Central Wireless |
| Utah | Choice Wireless |
| Washington | Inland Cellular, Assurance |
| Wisconsin | Cellcom |
| Wyoming | Union Wireless |
How To Apply for Affordable Connectivity Program
- To apply for ACP there are three ways, the first one is easy which is to apply online. There are chances of the immediate approval. If not, then you have to provide some additional documents. Then follow up the steps to get a discount ACP.
- The second option is to apply by mail. You need to fill up the application and mail it to the ACP office address.
- The third and last option available is to contact your internet service provider and make sure it has been elected for the ACP program. ISP will guide you through the required steps to complete the process.
Always keep in mind, that the qualifier always needs to follow up with his ISP. The ACP will not pay you by cheque, but rather it offers a discount on your broadband bills.
Important things to keep in mind if qualified for ACP
One household cannot get more than one ACP discount from more than one ISP. You cannot get multiple discounts from the same home. This may cause you from getting any further discounts from ACP in the future.
This is also one's responsibility to notify ACP if your income exceeds the poverty threshold. This should be done within 30 days of increased income.
ACP Free Phone:
The primary objective of these ACP phone companies is to provide free phone service to eligible customers and also offer free phones if customers don't have one.
ACP Free Tablet:
Through EBB or the ACP program, you can a free tablet as well. There are many operators/sellers which are providing free tablets and here they are -
- QLink Wireless ACP: QLink is a nationwide ACP provider that operates in many states of the USA including Arkansas, Colorado, Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Louisana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Missouri, Ohio, Okhlama, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin. You will get a free tablet from QLink with a charge of $10.01 a month including a free monthly service plan with unlimited text, talk, and data. To enroll visit https://enroll.qlinkwireless.com/signup and enter your zip to check eligibility. Learn how to get QLink free tablet
- Sky network: Check out eligibility criteria for Sky tablet
- Standup Wireless Free Tablet: Standup Wireless is a network provider registered with the US government to offer ACP service in all states of the USA. You can visit https://standupwireless.com/acp to know more.
For this, we have compiled a full article on how to get ACP Free tablet from the government.
Which Tablets are Available under Affordable Connectivity Program ACP Free Tablet:
When you apply for ACP free tablet, your provider will let you know whether you are eligible to receive it or not. If eligible they will intimate you about it and ship the available device with them to you within a few days. However, they will not let you know which device you will get and you have no choice but to choose which one you want. The device brand and model are based on several factors like state where you live, eligibility criteria, & availability of the product. Nevertheless, all free tablet ACP providers offer tablets with the latest features like WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth, and SIM card slot (in some models).
Under the ACP free tablet offer, you will get one of the following devices -
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- LG G Pad 5
- Lenovo Tab 5
- Sky Tablet
- Older Apple iPad model
ACP Program Laptop Offer:
Under the ACP scheme, you will get a discount of $100 when you purchase a laptop or personal desktop, or computer. Learn more about qualifications under the Affordable Connectivity Program Laptop offer.
ACP Program Phone Number:
You can call any of the network providers in your state as mentioned in the chart/tablet above and call them. For a phone number, you are just a Google search away.
Alternatively to learn more you can email FCC at ACPspeakers@fcc.gov dedicated email support.
ACP Program Verizon:
Verizon is also a participating cellular provider supporting ACP or EBB program as specified by the government. Qualifying households will get up to $50 off mobile and home internet plans per month. You can order it from here
.
ACP Provider Near Me:
While it's hard to tell you about one or two nationwide providers because every operator has a license for distribution in one or two or a maximum of 3 states or in some cases 4 states of the USA. So this becomes difficult to locate free phone ACP service providers nearby your locations.
This is why we have created a separate guide on how to find free Government phone stands near me. With that guide, you can easily locate or find or get in touch with an ACP service provider in your area.
FAQs of Affordable Connectivity Program:
I know, I know you have some questions regarding this free government phone service. Let me answer some FAQs for you.
Are Lifeline and ACP the same?
Lifeline is an FCC permanent program to support affordable access to essential communication such as telephone, and broadband internet access. The ACP is a new program initiated to provide discount broadband to low-income groups and in general, both mean the same, i.e., earlier it was called LifeLine or EBB program, and now it's called the ACP program by FCC.
What is the term of ACP, or how long the ACP will last?
As per the FCC, the Affordable connectivity program is a long-term program. The government has committed $14 million to this program and there is no end date provided.
Does AT&T accept ACP?
To reduce the cost of broadband, AT&T and Cricket wireless have participated in a new Affordable connectivity program. A discount of $30/month and $75 for tribal areas has been issued.
Can I use EBB for both Phone and Internet?
Yes, you can use both at the same time from the same account.
5G isn't working
So that was all about the EBB or Affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits, tablets, and mobile phones.
Summary
Article Name
What is Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Emergency broadband benefit (EBB)
Description
Check out What is Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Emergency Broadband Benefit EBB free tablet.
Author
Juhi Patel
Publisher Name
BLU Cell Phones
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FAQs
Does Google Fi offer ACP program? ›
If you're eligible for this government subsidy program, you'll get up to $30 off your monthly Google Fiber internet bill. That means you can get any of our plans — even our fastest — for less. Verification for the Affordable Connectivity Program subsidy is run through the U.S. Federal Government National Verifier.
How many times can you use ACP? ›An ACP consumer can only use their one-time device benefit on a device offered by the same provider through which that consumer receives ACP-discounted internet service.
How do I get $100 off my laptop? ›The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps income-eligible households pay for internet and devices such as a laptop or tablet. The program can provide a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. ACP Support Center hours (Eastern time).
What are ACP tablets? ›Acepromazine maleate (brand names and alternative names: acetylpromazine, ACE, ACP, PromAce®) is a sedative/tranquilizer used as a pre-anesthetic and for chemical restraint in dogs and cats.
How long will the ACP program last? ›How long will the Affordable Connectivity Program last? The ACP is a long-term program. The government has committed $14 billion to this endeavor, and there is currently no end date.
What is ACP safelink program? ›Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal government benefit program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) aimed at ensuring connectivity to eligible households. This new benefit aims to connect households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.
Does Social Security count as income for ACP? ›Income includes salary, public assistance benefits, social security payments, pensions, unemployment compensation, veteran's benefits, inheritances, alimony, child support payments, worker's compensation benefits, gifts, and lottery winnings.
Did the ACP program end? ›The program was designed as a permanent extension of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program and there is currently no end date.
Can ACP be used for phone and internet? ›California Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) You may qualify for free internet service and a free phone, or another internet-capable device, through the California Lifeline and ACP phone program. Broadband includes a phone service or internet at home.
Can you get a tablet with Affordable Connectivity Program? ›Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
How can I get a computer with no money? ›
PCs for People works to get computers for those who are below the 200% poverty level. You could also get a computer from them if you are already eligible through an income-based government assistance program. These programs might include: SNAP.
How long will the internet stimulus last? ›Update: The Federal Communications Commission discontinued the Emergency Broadband Benefit as of Dec. 31, 2021. It has been replaced by the Affordable Connectivity Program. If you enrolled in the EBB before the end of 2021, you will continue to receive your monthly benefit for the first 60 days of 2022.
How do you use ACP Tablet? ›Acp Tablet MR can be taken with or without food. The dose and duration will depend on the severity of your condition. You should keep taking the medicine even if you feel better until the doctor says it is alright to stop using it.
How long do ACP tablets take to work? ›You have to use ACP carefully as it does have a very distinct sedation effect. However, get the timing of administering the dose right. Don't give it way before you intend to travel as it will not work in our experience. About 30 - 45 minutes before commencing a long journey appears about right to us.
Can humans take ACP tablets? ›The Bottom Line. Acepromazine is a drug used to sedate animals and is not for human use. Most acepromazine poisonings occur in curious children or when people unintentionally mistake it for their own medication. Common symptoms of acepromazine poisoning include drowsiness and slowed breathing.
What is the difference between the Lifeline program and the ACP Program? ›Lifeline is the FCC's permanent program to support affordable access to essential communications services such as broadband Internet access. The ACP is a new program designed to provide additional support to make broadband more affordable for certain low-income households.
How can I get a laptop with Affordable Connectivity Program? ›You are likely eligible if your household's income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.
How is income determined for the ACP program? ›If a consumer household's gross annual income is 200% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, they qualify for the ACP. The table below reflects the income limit by household size, which is 200% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Is ACP a permanent program? ›Will ACP funding run out? No, the ACP program is a long-term government program. Unlike the EBB program, which was established as a temporary, pandemic-related program, the ACP is a permanent program.
Can I have safelink and ACP at the same time? ›You can receive both benefits at the same time, but you need to contact a participating provider to enroll in the ACP. You can apply your ACP benefit and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services.
How does the ACP discount work? ›
How does the $100 device benefit work? Participating internet service providers can be reimbursed up to $100 if they supply a connected device to a household, provided the household pays more than $10 but less than $50 for the device.
Can you get a free phone if your on Social Security? ›Here's how! Did you know that if you use the Social Security's Supplemental Security Income Program you may qualify to obtain a free government cell phone service? That's correct. Social Security's SSI program qualifies participants for free cell phone service through Lifeline.
Do disabled people get discount for internet? ›Any household with an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is eligible to receive discounted internet service through the ACP. Social Security doesn't count ACP assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program permanent? ›Congress mandated the creation of the ACP as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law in November 2021. The program was designed as a permanent extension of the EBB, with a handful of changes.
Is ACP and ebb the same thing? ›The ACP is a new long-term, $14 billion program, which replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. You can learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program including what the benefit provides, and who is eligible by visiting fcc.gov/acp. Need Help with the ACP?
Is ACP program retroactive? ›Discounts cannot be retroactive to the date you received the formal approval from USAC; therefore, it is very important to contact Bloomingdale Communications as soon as you receive the formal approval. Can the ACP discount be used on both my home wired internet service and my Assurance Wireless Lifeline Phone Service?
Is ACP separate from LifeLine? ›But in California, the state LifeLine benefit cannot be combined with ACP; instead, a household must use the subsidies on separate accounts — typically, a LifeLine mobile phone and an ACP-funded broadband connection to a home computer.
Does the Qlink tablet come with internet? ›ACP benefits at Q Link Wireless gives qualifying Americans UNLIMITED Data, Talk, Text on one of America's largest and most reliable networks. What electronic device do we offer to our customers? We proudly offer ACP subscribers under our network a new Tablet to enjoy along with FREE and UNLIMITED Cell Phone Service.
What is a ACP connected device? ›Q: What is the ACP? A: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.
What is the best free government phone program? ›Federal Lifeline Assistance:
Lifeline is a government assistance program. The Assurance Wireless offer provides eligible low-income customers free monthly data, unlimited texting, and free monthly minutes. Plus a free phone.
How do I get my free tablet through Qlink? ›
To receive a tablet free through Qlink Wireless, you must be eligible in relation to income levels or participation in government-sponsored programs. You are eligible if you are belong to government benefit programs like Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid and other.
How can I get a free tablet? ›You have to visit your respective college to enroll in the Namo tablet scheme. The institution will then institute will provide the details of the eligible candidates on the official website. The authorities will login on this portal via their unique institute ID. The Institute will have to go 'Add New Student' tab.
Can you get cellular service on a tablet? ›If you're looking forward to buying a new Android tablet, but you're afraid that you'll have to get a new carrier contract, then worry no more. You can actually use your existing cell phone plan on an Android tablet.
What to do if you can't afford a laptop? ›- Get technical.
- Buy used or refurbished.
- Wait it out until the holidays.
- Take advantage of student discounts.
The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021.
How do you qualify for Biden's internet plan? ›Find Out If You Qualify
Your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see chart below)
The program, called the Emergency Broadband Benefit, has been providing a $50 monthly subsidy to nearly 9 million low-income households. However, the EBB program stopped accepting new applicants in December 2021.
How long does ACP take to work in dogs? ›Generally, the drug should be given three times a day, as needed. When a dose is given, it will take 20-30 minutes for the drug to take effect.
What do vets give dogs to calm them down? ›- Benadryl. Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is not technically a sedative. ...
- Acepromazine. Acepromazine causes sedation. ...
- Gabapentin. ...
- Trazodone. ...
- Benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Etc.) ...
- Drugs for Long-term Anxiety Issues. ...
- Injectable Sedation.
A medicine written 4 times daily should roughly be taken 4 or 5 hours apart while you are awake assuming you wake up at 7 am and go to bed at 10 pm, for example: 7 am (when you wake up) 12 noon (midday) 4 pm (late afternoon)
What is a 107 pill? ›
Drug: Acetaminophen and Oxycodone Hydrochloride. Strength: 500 mg / 7.5 mg. Pill Imprint: 107.
What is gabapentin for humans? ›Gabapentin works in the brain to prevent seizures and relieve pain for certain conditions in the nervous system. It is not used for routine pain caused by minor injuries or arthritis. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
What is troglitazone used for? ›Troglitazone is the first of a new group of oral antidiabetic drugs, the thiazolidinediones, and is indicated for the treatment of patients with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.
Does Google Fi accept ebb program? ›Welcome to the Google Fi Community forum. The EBB Program is no longer accepting applications. Beginning December 31, 2021 consumers can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program at ACPBenefit.org. The ACP website has a search tool that will help you to locate companies in your area.
Is Assurance Wireless the same as ACP program? ›Assurance Wireless California Lifeline Only
It combines our Lifeline service with the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) and, as of 12/31/21, its successor, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit, to give eligible customers Unlimited Data & Texts & Minutes, plus 10GB Mobile Hotspot Data.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal government program that provides a discount on monthly high-speed internet service bills for qualifying low-income households. ACP launched at Metro by T-Mobile on January 27, 2022.
Does AT&T have a ACP program? ›The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal program that can help qualified households pay for broadband services, including wireless plans from AT&T. For qualified customers, the ACP benefit can reduce your wireless bill by up to $30 per month, or up to $75 per month for customers on qualified Tribal Lands.
What program replaces ebb? ›The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Replaces The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB)
How can I get Google Fi for free? ›In a bid to get ex-subscribers to rejoin, Google Fi is offering free cellular service “for the rest of 2022.” If invited (via email), you and up to five other people get just over three months of free service on the Simply Unlimited or Unlimited Plus tiers.
Has the EBB program ended? ›California LifeLine provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to qualified households. On December 31st, 2021 the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). Existing EBB customers will have a 60 days to transition to ACP.
What discount will customers who qualify for Affordable Connectivity Program ACP get every month? ›
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount for internet service up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands.
Is T-Mobile Giving free hotspot? ›Program benefits
Approved families receive 100GB of mobile data per year for 5 years and a FREE mobile hotspot, plus the opportunity to purchase additional Wi-Fi devices at a low cost.
Eligible Straight Talk customers can now receive free monthly benefits through the ACP program while keeping their device and number. With FREE Unlimited Talk, Text and 5GB of High-Speed Data including Hotspot, you can stay connected to loved ones, virtual classrooms, and video conferences.
How do I activate my ACP benefit? ›Once you are approved, call AT&T at 866.595.0604 to enroll with your National Verifier application ID. If you are already approved for Lifeline, there is no need to re-apply for ACP. You're automatically eligible.
How long does it take ATT to approve ACP? ›The approval or denial can be immediate or can take up to a couple of days. Customers are eligible for benefits up to 30 on ACP. For approved ACP customers, please contact our AT&T ACP Center at 866.986. 0963.