Since 2021, the federal government has sponsored a program to make the internet available to communities throughout the U.S. The ACP connected millions of users to the web at a subsidized price, saving recipients up to $30 on their monthly internet bill (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). 
Unfortunately, our elected officials have not chosen to renew funding for the ACP. Applications for the program were discontinued in February 2024. April 2024 will be the last fully funded month for users.

“Why are my ACP Benefits ending?”

EarthLink’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) brings affordable, high-speed internet to your home so you can stay connected to homework, job opportunities, healthcare, and more. You may qualify if you’re eligible for public assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Lifeline, or meet any of the other requirements below.
Whether you’re sticking with an existing plan or signing up for a new one, we’re committed to keeping you connected and saving you money.

The Affordable Connectivity Program was launched as part of the 
<a href="/blog/broadband-internet-infrastructure-bill/">2021 infrastructure bill</a> to continue aiding families and households that are struggling to afford internet service. It connects eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.
The program provides a credit of up to $30 each month towards internet service for eligible households. The level of the subsidy depends on the rate for the internet service available in your area.
You can <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/acp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learn more about the ACP program on the FCC website</a>.

A household is eligible if at least one member meets at 
least one of the following criteria:
<ul>
<li>Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or</li>
<li>Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;</li>
<li>Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;</li>
<li>Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;</li>
<li>Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award 
year</li>
</ul>
AND
<ul>
<li class="hash-to-id">Live in an <a href="#check">area where EarthLink internet is available</a></li>
</ul>

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Consumer Information Hub

While we hope Congress will choose to reinstate funding for the ACP, we&#8217;re dedicated to providing you with the connectivity you need at the price you can afford.

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Your link to affordable internet

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Your household may be eligible for a government-sponsored program that allows you to save up to $30 a month on your internet service. If you qualify, you’ll enjoy in-home WiFi and no data caps.

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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that provides discounts of up to $30 on monthly <a href='https://www.highspeedoptions.com/resources/insights/what-is-broadband-internet'>broadband Internet</a> access service (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). ACP services are subject to consumer eligibility, provider participation, product 
availability, and FCC/Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) approval.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP?

You are eligible for ACP discounts if you are eligible for Lifeline, or if you participate in SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, <a href='https://www.highspeedoptions.com/resources/insights/veteran-active-military-internet-discount'>Veterans</a> and Survivors Pension Benefit Fund, WIC, or Lifeline; if you are approved to receive benefits under the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch and Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision during the 2019-20,2020-21, or 2021-22 school year; or if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Current year Pell Grant recipients also are eligible. If you reside on Tribal Lands, participation in any of the following additional programs makes you eligible for ACP benefits: Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Tribal Head Start (only household that meet the income qualifying standard). ACP eligibility will be determined by USAC’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database.

Who is eligible for ACP discounts on broadband service?

Only eligible consumers may receive ACP discounts. The ACP monthly service discount is non-transferrable. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount.

What rules apply to me when I participate in the program?

No. You may continue to receive discounted Lifeline service from your current provider and get discounted ACP service from EarthLink or any authorized ACP service provider.

If I already receive a Lifeline benefit, do I have to give it up to receive the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit?

Yes. ACP benefits may be obtained from any participating provider of your choosing and your monthly service benefit may be transferred to another provider at any time.

Can I choose my ACP provider?

Currently, there is no end date listed for the Affordable Connectivity Program. We expect the ACP to continue as long as it continues to receive federal funding. When the FCC announces the end the ACP program or we end our promotional ACP service offer, we will notify you and you will revert to paying the applicable undiscounted rate available at that time plus applicable fees and taxes.

When will the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) end?

Our <a href="/tcs/programs/affordable-connectivity-program/">ACP Terms and Conditions</a> and standard <a href="/tcs/">Terms and Conditions</a> apply, in addition to any others communicated to you that are specific to your service plan. Available upload/download speeds can be found under “Broadband Network Management Information” on our <a href="/tcs/">Terms &amp; Conditions page</a>. To receive ACP benefits, your identity and eligibility must be confirmed by <a href="https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USAC</a> and you must comply with all applicable <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/acp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ACP Rules</a>. For more information about the ACP Program you can call us at <a href=tel:"8337872118" class="elnk-dni-link elnk-dni">833-787-2118</a>.

What else do I need to know?

Our congressional leaders recently announced that federal funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will not continue after April 2024. But affordable internet isn’t going away! Get reliable, high-speed internet with EarthLink.

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Affordable Connectivity Program

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Complete the National Verifier eligibility form to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
<a href="https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?ebbp=true&#038;id=nv_flow&#038;ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D">Apply Now</a>

Call us to select your plan. If you’re a new customer, you’ll also schedule your installation.
<a href=tel:"8337872118" class="elnk-dni-link elnk-dni">833-787-2118</a>

That’s it! Once your EarthLink internet has been connected, you’ll enjoy savings of up to $30 every month.

Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Once you’ve completed all three steps, check your email within 48 hours of applying for a status update.