Nearly 23 million American households once relied on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to keep broadband affordable — more than twice the reach of the Lifeline program it complemented, per Broadband Breakfast. The ACP officially ended June 1, 2024, leaving millions scrambling for alternatives. If your household is still navigating the gap, options like low-cost home internet options and programs offering free laptops for low-income households can help bridge the divide. Here's everything you need to know about what the ACP was, who qualified, and what to do now. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal benefit providing eligible low-income households up to $30/month (up to $75/month on qualifying Tribal lands) toward broadband service. It served nearly 23 million households before officially ending June 1, 2024. Alternatives now include Lifeline, ISP low-income plans, and device assistance programs.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Benefits | Up to $30–$75/month discount + $100 device credit | Understanding what ACP provided | See details |
| Eligibility Criteria | Free (income-based qualification) | Households at or below 200% federal poverty level | See details |
| Enrollment Process | Free to apply | Those who applied via NV or ISP portals | See details |
| Current Alternatives | Free–$30/month (Lifeline, ISP programs) | Low-income households needing ongoing broadband help | See details |
| County/Local Support | Free–$15/month (varies by region) | Residents in areas with municipal or nonprofit programs | See details |
ACP Program 2026: Complete Guide to the Affordable Connectivity Program
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Previous Benefits
Understanding what the ACP program previously offered helps current and former participants recognize the value they received and what has since changed. The Affordable Connectivity Program provided eligible households up to $30 per month toward internet service, or up to $75 per month for those on qualifying Tribal lands. A one-time discount of up to $100 was also available toward a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer when purchased through a participating provider.
What the program covered:
- Monthly broadband discounts of $30–$75 depending on location
- One-time device discount (up to $100 with a $10–$50 co-pay)
- Available through hundreds of participating internet service providers nationwide
2. Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the ACP program was tied to income level or participation in specific federal assistance programs. Households qualified if their income was at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if any member participated in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Lifeline, Federal Pell Grants, or free/reduced-price school lunch programs. Veterans and survivors receiving certain federal benefits also qualified under program guidelines.
Common qualifying pathways:
- Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level
- Enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Lifeline
- Active Pell Grant recipient or free/reduced school lunch participant
3. Enrollment Process
Enrolling in the ACP program required applicants to verify eligibility through the National Verifier system before selecting a participating internet provider. Applicants submitted proof of income or program participation through ACPBenefit.org, and once approved, contacted a provider directly to apply the discount to an existing or new internet plan. The process typically took a few days to complete from application to activation.
Steps to enroll:
- Apply through the official National Verifier at ACPBenefit.org
- Submit qualifying documents (income proof or benefit enrollment letter)
- Select a participating ISP and apply the approved benefit to your plan
4. Current Alternatives
Since the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024, several replacement options help low-income households stay connected. The FCC's Lifeline program remains the most direct federal substitute, providing a $9.25/month discount on phone or broadband service for qualifying households. While Lifeline's benefit is smaller than ACP's $30/month discount, it's available through many of the same carriers that previously participated in the connectivity program.
Active alternatives to explore:
- Lifeline: $9.25/month federal discount — apply at lifelinesupport.org
- ISP-specific programs: Comcast Internet Essentials ($9.95/month), AT&T Access, and Spectrum Internet Assist offer subsidized plans independently
- State-level broadband subsidies: Several states launched their own funding programs after ACP expired
5. County/Local Support
Many counties and municipalities launched emergency broadband assistance funds specifically to fill the gap left by the ACP program's expiration. Local libraries, community action agencies, and digital equity offices often have direct knowledge of regional grants or device loan programs unavailable at the federal level. Seniors and families who previously relied on ACP discounts may also qualify for free transportation for seniors and other wraparound services bundled through county assistance offices.
Where to look locally:
- Call 211 (United Way helpline) to find county-specific broadband aid
- Check your public library — many offer free hotspot lending programs
- Community action agencies often distribute refurbished devices at no cost
Final Words
The ACP program opened doors to connectivity for millions of low-income households across the U.S. Whether you need basic talk and text, mobile data, home broadband, bundled services, or tablet access, exploring affordable phone plans can help you find the right fit even after ACP ends.