Cut Internet Bills with the Affordable Connectivity Program

The global pandemic showed us that the internet is now an essential part of our lives. The United Nations even designated internet access as a human right by accepting a new resolution called Article 19. Fortunately, the US government helps this advocacy with its Affordable Connectivity Program. 

The ACP could reduce internet bills if you qualify. As a result, it could help you resume your kids’ education via online learning and earn extra income with remote work. That is why this article will elaborate on this government program further. 

We will start by discussing what the Affordable Connectivity Program can do for you. Afterward, we will check the requirements of the ACP so that you can apply as soon as possible.

Benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program

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The ACP is the United State’s largest broadband affordability program by The Federal Communications Commission. Thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program, 10 million Americans can now connect to the internet.

It reduces the monthly internet bills of eligible households by $30. Meanwhile, homes located in Tribal Lands may receive a $75 monthly discount. 

Qualified households could receive a $100 one-time discount from participating providers for a new laptop, tablet,  or desktop computer. However, they must pay more than $10 and less than $50 for the purchase price.

The ACP limits each household to one device discount and one monthly service discount. Fortunately, the latter includes taxes and other governmental fees.

The program’s internet speed is faster than the global average of 64.7 Mbps. According to the White House website, the ACP offers a minimum of 100 Mbps, allowing a family of four to stream videos, use video calls, and more.

How to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?                       

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Your household is eligible for the ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. On the other hand, your household may qualify if someone at meets or participates in the following criteria and programs:

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
• Meets criteria for a participating provider’s low-income internet program
• Free and Reduced-Price School Breakfast Program
• Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
• Medicaid
• SNAP
• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
• Project-Based Rental Assistance
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Public Housing
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Survivor Benefits or Veterans Pension
• The FCC’s Lifeline Program

As mentioned above, people living on Tribal Lands may also join the Affordable Connectivity Program. However, they must meet one of the following requirements:

• Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• Tribal Head Start
• Tribal TANF

Should you try the ACP?

Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 10 million people who previously couldn’t get online or struggled to pay for this modern-day necessity are now connected through the Affordable Connectivity Program. https://t.co/A0Ha0xjk2B

— The FCC (@FCC) February 15, 2022

The internet is now more than social media and online searches. It has become a more important part of our lives, and the Affordable Connectivity Program can help you access it. 

The internet allows access to products and services that were previously unavailable to most people. For example, remote work lets people earn a living at home. They could make extra money after their day jobs without spending more on daily commutes. 

College students may also qualify for most work-from-home jobs. On the other hand, the internet could expand their academic background. For example, they could try online MBA courses. 

The internet is also changing the way we do business. Nowadays, most companies have social media pages and advertise via banner, email, and video ads.

More people worldwide are foregoing cash for online transactions. We now tap our phones when shopping instead of fumbling for the right amount of bills and coins.

How often have you heard folks say, “I will Venmo you.” when exchanging money? We do not even have to visit banks to withdraw and deposit funds, thanks to online banking apps. 

More people are using buy now pay later apps to cover daily necessities due to rising inflation. Some even invest in cryptocurrencies to protect their finances against it. 

All these changes are now shifting the job market. The internet is taking down existing industries and creating new ones, so your skills will need digital transformation. 

Conclusion

The Affordable Connectivity Program can turn these changes into opportunities by reducing internet bills. Do you meet the requirements we discussed?

You can learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program by visiting the FCC and White House websites. They will provide more information about the ACP.

The internet is rapidly changing how our world works. Fortunately, Inquirer USA can help you keep up by providing the latest tech updates.

Frequently asked questions

How do you qualify for the ACP program?

Your household income should be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Moreover, you should meet one of the criteria discussed above. 

What are the benefits of ACP?

It could reduce your monthly internet bills by $30. Also, you could receive a $100 one-time discount for a new laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. 

Does ACP affect taxes?

The Affordable Connectivity Program reduces internet bills and their taxes and government fees. However, it limits each household to one device discount and one monthly service discount.