When it comes to the Affordable Connectivity Program, we often receive questions like –How long will Affordable Connectivity Program last? Is the ACP program ending? It is quite obvious to get this question in mind since ACP was actually a program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefits in the year 2022.
The EBB program was started by the government to help low-income families get assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic to stay connected with their close ones without worrying about telephone bills. It was also meant to help low-income individuals get access to cheaper internet so as to adjust to the new normal of life – online work and school.
However, the government often stops a program for multiple reasons due to which low-income people, who were being awarded benefits by such programs, stop receiving them. Hence, it is obvious that participants of the ACP program usually have questions like How long will Affordable Connectivity Program last?
To get the answer to all your questions, go ahead to read a detailed updated article!
What is Affordable Connectivity Program ACP?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a government assistance program that was introduced by the FCC to help low-income families and needy people get access to high-speed Free internet services along with low-cost affordable cell phone plans so that they do not get left behind on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Through this program, eligible households can also get other benefits such as up to a $100 discount on laptops, smartphones, computers, tablets, etc. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for this program.
You can get more information about What ACP is, the benefits of the ACP program, and eligibility criteria in our detailed article – What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
How long will Affordable Connectivity Program last?
If you are thinking to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program or are already enrolled in this program, then you might be wondering how long will Affordable Connectivity Program last and how long will you be able to receive benefits from this great program.
As mentioned above, assistance programs like ACP are often altered by the government for multiple reasons. They are either replaced, revamped, or even shut out together. There is always a sort of uncertainty among people as to how long will such programs last.
To answer your question on the same, there have been certain rumors about the ACP program ending in the summer of 2024 as apparently, the ACP will run out of funding around that time.
The ACP program has helped over 15 million US households to stay connected with their loved ones and access free broadband services. Hence, if this program is terminated by the government, it will have a huge effect on many people.
To understand the impact of ACP, the FCC has set certain annual data collection rules for ISPs that participate in ACP. This will help the government and authorities in understanding the impact the program has made and these reports would be a huge contributing factor to the future of ACP.
In conclusion, it is difficult to say exactly how long the ACP will go on. But the government has always had a long-term vision when it came to ACP as it has been serving over 15 million people.
The only way to keep the ACP running is that Congress fills its funding bucket. Since ACP was not created as a normal bill and was a one-time funding event, in order to keep the program going on, particular legislation would be required. More or less, it depends on the New Congress to keep the program alive and running.
How long does ACP credit last?
If you are already a participant in the ACP program, you might be wondering how long the ACP credit would last. The answer is pretty simple. As long as you are eligible for the program and qualify for it, you will get the benefits of the ACP program.
Also, as long as the Federal government is providing funding for this program, you can get credit from ACP. On the brighter side, this program is expected to receive funding for many more years to come.
Does Affordable Connectivity Program expire?
No. The Affordable Connectivity Program does not expire. You will continue to receive the benefits of the program as long as you are eligible for it. However, the authorities do review your profile annually to check if you are still eligible for this program. Otherwise, there is no expiration date for the benefits of this program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Given below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the affordable connectivity program and how long it will last. If you are thinking of applying for ACP, then we would recommend you go through these questions once.
How can I Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You can go to the official website of fcc and apply for the ACP program from their official website online. Or you can also download the ACP application form and print it. You can then send this form via mail and apply for ACP.
Another great option for you is to directly contact a participating network service provider to get assistance in applying for ACP.
If I already receive Lifeline benefits will I automatically receive the Affordable Connectivity Program?
No. Even if you are eligible or participating in the Lifeline assistance program, you will not automatically receive the affordable connectivity program benefits. this is because, although you will be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity program, in order to receive its benefits, you will have to apply for ACP separately.
Which internet providers are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A lot of popular and reliable network services providers such as Cox, Verizon, AT&T, Spectrum, Comcast, Xfinity, AirTalk Wireless, and so on Participate in the affordable connectivity program to provide free internet services and discounts on cell phone service plans for low-income families.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) the same as the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB)?
Not exactly, but yes. The Emergency Broadband Benefits program was replaced by the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) in the year 2022. The emergency broadband benefits program was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic to help low-income families and needy people stay connected with their close ones and allow them to access internet services to work or learn from home in the lockdown.
Do I receive the funds directly each month?
NO. You cannot directly receive funds from ACP since this program only provides a monthly discount on internet services and cell phone plans of up to $30 per eligible household, which is up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands.
They do not disburse any funds to the Eligible participants of the program. Your participating broadband network service provider will get the funds directly from the government itself.
Final Thoughts
That was all about how long will the affordable connectivity program ACP last. We hope that you have found the above article of use. In case you have any queries regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program, feel free to ask us in the comment section below.
ACP is one of the most amazing programs that the US government has initiated to help low-income families get access to internet services and other digital resources. Due to the high cost of internet services and cell phone plans in the US, generally, low-income families are not able to afford such expenses.
But with the affordable connectivity program, it has become easier for such people to stay connected through digital means and use technology for enhancing their lifetime.
Make sure to share this article with your friends and family if you are found it useful!
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