FCC No Longer Accepting Applications
The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 8th. Barring additional funding from Congress, April is expected to be the last month enrolled households will receive the full benefit. Consumers had to be approved and enrolled with a service provider by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 7th to receive the ACP benefit.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is administered by USAC with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM FUNDS DEPLETING
BARRING CONGRESSIONAL ACTION
As of 1/10/24 the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) extension bill has been introduced to congress. The current funding will soon be depleted. We are asking the public to act now. It’s critical for the future of this program to engage with your community and find out how you can take action. We have seen the powerful impact it’s has made for millions of households as well as the economic growth in our nation.
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What can you do right now?
1. We urge you to enroll your household by the closing date FEB 7th. You may be one of the 50 million households that automatically qualify.
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2. Reach out! Share with your family and friends to help them enroll.
Currently only 23+ million households are getting $30 off their internet each month.
If you have seen the impact it has made for only 23 million think what it could do for 50 million families nationwide.
Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024. A decision from congress has not been made as of yet.
Internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. For more info click below.
IMPORTANT DATES
Feb 7th
ENROLLMENT END DATE February 7th 2024. 11:59 EST
Because of the wind down of the program, the ACP will need to stop new enrollments. Starting February 8, 2024, no new enrollments will be accepted. ACP applications and enrollments will not be processed after February 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET
APRIL
April 2024 Anticipated time current funds run out.
The FCC anticipates existing ACP funding to run out in April 2024 if Congress does not provide additional funding. Consumers that are enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive their benefit on their internet service through April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change. Households who have applied, been approved, and are receiving the monthly internet discount before February 8, 2024 will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out, as long as the household remains enrolled in the program.
Contact USAC directly for any other questions about the ACP wind-down. Households can call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 for information about their benefit. Visit www.fcc.gov/acp to access answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and other guidance about the ACP wind-down process, including what households need to know about retaining internet service after the end of the ACP
WHAT IS THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM
Bridging the digital divide for all.
Oregon Institute For A Better Way launches Roots of Connectivity and announced it is working to help build awareness about the Affordable Connectivity Program, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. ACP helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to a $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
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Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
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Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
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Participates in one of these assistance programs:
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Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
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SNAP
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Medicaid
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Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
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Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811
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Public Housing
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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WIC
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Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
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or Lifeline;
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Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
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Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
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Tribal TANF
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Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
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Tribal Head Start (income based)
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Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
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Eligible households can enroll by going to GetInternet.gov to submit an online application or print a mail-in application, or by contacting their preferred participating broadband provider and selecting a plan.
Affordable Connectivity Program Introduction Video
WHAT THE ACP HAS TO OFFER:
Internet Money
The ACP offers up to $30 towards internet plans that are subsidized to help qualifying households access reliable and affordable internet. With low-cost internet plans, individuals can access online resources, participate in virtual classrooms, and apply for job opportunities online.
Free or Discounted devices
The program provides free or discounted devices such as laptops or tablets to help ensure that everyone can access the internet. With free or discounted devices, individuals can connect with friends and family, access online services, and apply for jobs.
Digital Literacy Training
Digital literacy training programs are available to help users develop the skills and knowledge needed to use the internet effectively and safely. With digital literacy training, individuals can learn how to use online tools and resources, protect their privacy and security online, and access important information and services.
ROOTS OF CONNECTIVITY
OFFERS EVEN MORE
Community Hubs
Promoting social cohesion and building strong, resilient communities. By providing a safe and supportive space for people to connect and engage with one another, they can help to reduce social isolation and strengthen community ties. They can also provide a range of resources and services that help people to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals.
Regional Navigators
Those that play a critical role in supporting individuals and communities in their efforts to navigate complex social and economic systems. By providing information, guidance, and support, they help to ensure that people have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Grassroots Community Action
Rooted in the belief that the best solutions to complex social and political problems come from the people who are most impacted by those problems. This approach recognizes that people have the power to bring about change in their communities, and that collective action can create meaningful and lasting social and political transformations.
Oregon Institute for a Better Way is in partnership with the following organizations and those represented on the website. We are proud to be part of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
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