Affordable Connectivity Program
Save Up to $30/mo on Your Internet Bill
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.
How to Qualify and Sign Up for ACP with EarthLink
Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Complete the National Verifier eligibility form to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Call us to select your plan. If you’re a new customer, you’ll also schedule your installation.
833-787-2118That’s it! Once your EarthLink internet has been connected, you’ll enjoy savings of up to $30 every month.
Once you’ve completed all three steps, check your email within 48 hours of applying for a status update.
How does the Affordable Connectivity Program work?
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.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program was launched as part of the
2021 infrastructure bill 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 learn more about the ACP program on the FCC website.
Who is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible if at least one member meets at
least one of the following criteria:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- 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;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award
year
AND
- Live in an area where EarthLink internet is available
Check Internet Availability in My Area
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) FAQs
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that provides discounts of up to $30 on monthly broadband Internet 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.
Who is eligible for ACP discounts on broadband service?
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, Veterans 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.
What rules apply to me when I participate in the program?
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.
If I already receive a Lifeline benefit, do I have to give it up to receive the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit?
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.
Can I choose my ACP provider?
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.
When will the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) end?
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.
What else do I need to know?
Our ACP Terms and Conditions and standard Terms and Conditions 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 Terms & Conditions page. To receive ACP benefits, your identity and eligibility must be confirmed by USAC and you must comply with all applicable ACP Rules. For more information about the ACP Program you can call us at 833-787-2118.