Enrollment in the ACP continues to grow. It’s popular in cities, rural areas, and across party lines.
Local leaders need to monitor the program and support enrollment. They can help overcome barriers to participation, such as lack of information, distrust in government or service providers, and confusion about the process.
What is the ACP?
The ACP Program in Oklahoma is a new federal program that offers low-income households internet service at a discount. It also provides a discount on equipment or a one-time payment towards purchasing a device (computer, tablet, or laptop) to help eligible families afford these essential services.
The program has been running for about two years now and is helping to reduce the digital divide in America. It is estimated that since the ACP started, more than 20 million Americans have been able to access affordable internet.
Households can qualify for the ACP if their gross annual income exceeds 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The ACP eligibility definition includes all household income, including wages, salaries, tips, interest, dividends, child support, alimony, and Social Security benefits. However, the ACP does not include public assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
If a household is already participating in Lifeline, the ACP can be combined with that benefit to offer even more savings on the cost of broadband. Additionally, providers can’t force ACP-eligible consumers into high-priced or low-quality plans or require them to change their existing provider to participate in the program.
To apply for the ACP, a household can visit USAC’s website and complete an application online. The website also has helpful resources for the application process, such as a Household Worksheet and a list of Participating Internet Providers.
What are the Benefits of the ACP?
The ACP is a great way for households with low incomes to get internet service at a discounted rate. Eligible households can get a monthly discount of up to $30 on internet service, and they can also receive a one-time discount for a connected device like a laptop or tablet.
Households can apply for the ACP online. It’s easy and fast, and applications are often approved immediately. Alternatively, you can download the application form and mail it to your provider with copies of your documentation. If you are helping a family member or friend who doesn’t have internet, you can also print the ACP application form and give them a copy to fill out for themselves.
Most national and local internet service providers (ISPs) participate in the ACP, and most offer a variety of plans that are eligible for the discount. For more information about participating providers and available plans, visit the FCC’s online tool to find a participating ISP in your area.
In the two years since the ACP went live, it has helped reduce the digital divide in many parts of the country. This program and other government-sponsored initiatives encourage broadband providers to expand their networks and reach more people.
How Can I Participate in the ACP?
To get started, contact a participating internet service provider (ISP) in your area to learn more about ACP. ACP staff helps pair Mentors and Proteges based on their professional goals, industry of interest, and current employment status. Mentors are not required to help their Proteges find jobs, but they are encouraged to support them in any way possible, including networking and suggesting events or activities.
If you have already received Lifeline or the EBB benefit, you can sign up for ACP without submitting additional documents. Talk to your ISP to learn more about the ACP and how it works with the Lifeline/EBB programs.
In addition to promoting ACP participation and supporting participants, ATLAS provides professional development opportunities to support its members’ efforts to design, implement, and sustain effective Adult Career Pathways (ACP) programs. These trainings are available to all ATLAS members and their partners. For a full list of current opportunities, visit the ACP Training page on the ATLAS website. Then, sign up for the ACP Training & News listserv to stay informed about future opportunities.
How Can I Get Help with the ACP?
The ACP is offered by 20 internet service providers providing broadband access for $30 monthly or less. Check online if you need help determining whether your current internet provider participates in the ACP. If your company does, you can skip the application process and contact the company to sign up. However, you should apply using the Universal Service Administrative Company’s ACP Consumer Application online tool and also include a household worksheet to ensure that your household meets the program requirements.
Households qualify for the ACP if their gross annual income is less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines specific to each state. The calculation of gross annual income includes all income received from wages, salaries, tips, investment earnings, interest, dividends, child support, alimony, social security payments, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation benefits, and other forms of financial assistance.
Households fully enrolled in the EBB can skip requalifying for the ACP. However, they must sign up for the ACP if their internet company still needs to offer a low-income program similar to the EBB. It’s important to note that service providers aren’t allowed to pressure consumers into buying pricier bundle plans or signing up for additional services to get the ACP discount.
