Important Notification

As of February 8, 2024, the federal government is no longer accepting new ACP enrollments.

Access to the Internet has never been more important. With work, school, healthcare, and more all relying on the Internet to communicate, having a reliable Internet connection at home is critical. However, many homes struggle to afford something that is now considered a utility on par with water and power. In response, the federal government created the Affordable Connectivity Program at the end of 2021. Learn how this program helps households access affordable Internet for learning, work, and more.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program created as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act at the end of 2021. This program was created to help households get much-needed broadband into their homes for school, work, healthcare, and more.

The ACP helps eligible households afford Internet by providing discounts of up to $30 per month and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal land. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

How Do You Qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

In general, you can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Otherwise, you can qualify for the ACP if a single member of your household meets one of the criteria below:

• Is a Federal Pell Grant recipient during the current award year
• Already meets the requirement for a participating provider's existing low-income Internet program
• Currently participates in one of the following assistance programs: 
• • SNAP
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • WIC
  • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
  • Lifeline
  • Or receives Federal Housing Assistance, including:    
  • Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
  • Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
  • Public Housing
  • Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
  • Currently Participates in one of the following assistance programs while living on qualifying Tribal lands:
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribal TANF
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Tribal Head Start (income-based)

How Do You Enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program?

If you believe you qualify for the ACP, you must first apply with the program before contacting your Internet service provider (ISP). First, fill out an enrollment application online or submit a printed and completed form by mail to the Affordable Connectivity Program. Once accepted, contact your Internet service provider to determine if they are an ACP provider and fill out any required applications to receive the corresponding discount.

How to Find ACP Providers

If your current Internet service provider isn’t a part of the Affordable Connectivity Program, you’ll need to find one that is in order to receive the discount. Fortunately, most major ISPs participate in this program. Here’s how you can find an ACP provider near you.

Check Their Website

Internet service providers that participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program will disclose this on their website, along with any application information. Entering “Affordable Connectivity Program” into the website search bar should generate the results you’re looking for. You can always call in or chat with the customer support team to help you find this information if you’re having trouble.

View the Shentel ACP form

Use the Companies Near Me Tool

The Affordable Connectivity Program put together a helpful tool that makes it easy to find ACP providers near you. Visit the Companies Near Me Tool and input your Zip code or your city and state to find ISPs that participate in the program. You can also look at a complete list of participating providers.

Final Thoughts

Connectivity is now more affordable than ever, thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program. Qualifying households can now access the Internet to work, go to school, receive healthcare, stream shows, and so much more. Shentel is a proud participant of the Affordable Connectivity Program! If you qualify for the ACP, please fill out a form with us to receive fast, reliable Internet at a discount.

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