The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been beneficial for millions of low-income households in the United States, providing them with affordable access to the internet for work, education, healthcare, and more. However, as of February 7, 2024, the ACP is no longer accepting new applications or enrollments, marking the beginning of its wind-down phase.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The ACP was established in 2021 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with an appropriation of $14.2 billion. It aimed to bridge the digital divide by providing financial assistance to eligible households, ensuring they could afford broadband internet services. The program offered a discount of up to $30 per month for internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• To qualify for the ACP, households needed to meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

• Receive a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

• Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.

• Participate in specific government assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Housing Assistance, WIC, and more.

• Live on qualifying Tribal lands and participate in designated assistance programs.

The ACP’s Impact:

Since its inception, the ACP has made a significant impact, with over 22 million households enrolled and benefiting from the program as of January 2024. It has helped bridge the digital divide by providing affordable internet access to underserved communities.

Why is it ending?

1. The primary reason for the ACP’s wind-down is the projected depletion of its $14.2 billion funding, estimated to occur in April 2024 (though this date is subject to change). Here’s what you need to know about the ACP wind-down:

2. Deadline for New Enrollments: The ACP will stop processing new applications and enrollments after February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.

3. Continuation for Existing Enrollees: Households that have been approved and are already receiving the monthly internet discount before February 8, 2024, will continue to receive their ACP benefit until the program’s funds run out, which is expected in April 2024.

4. Communication with Enrolled Households: Enrolled ACP households will receive notices from Pioneer about the end of the benefit, its impact on their bills, the date of the last bill including the ACP benefit, and options to change or opt-out of service.

For answers to frequently asked questions about ACP, you can visit fcc.gov/acp or call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2775. For Pioneer customers who are ACP recipients, there will be information coming to your mailbox in the coming weeks, so please be patient!