As the Affordable Connectivity Program ends in April, many providers and users are worried. Providers are worried about being able to afford the low-income services, while users are worried about the expensive internet plans.
The ACP program used to offer $30 for nontribal lands and $75 for tribal lands. Additionally, there was a $100 ACP discount on internet-connecting devices such as tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.
While many ACP providers have not shared their plans, few providers said they would continue the discount with their low-cost Internet program.
Here are a few of them.
TDS Connect
TDS Connect is responding to the needs of low-income households by maintaining an affordable internet service priced at $30 monthly.
This package includes Wi-Fi connectivity and provides symmetrical internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps in areas where this technology is available.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by various providers to continue offering cost-effective Internet solutions, which is especially important as the Affordable Connectivity Program concludes.
Verizon
Verizon introduces its cost-effective Verizon Forward service, available for as little as $20 a month, accessible to both new and existing customers.
Leveraging Verizon’s diverse technology infrastructure, including 5G Home, LTE Home, and Fios broadband, these plans offer up to 300 Mbps symmetrical speeds in areas served by Fios.
Furthermore, new customers can benefit from a significant introductory offer, receiving six months of service at no cost.
Verizon also extends its affordability through the Safelink program, which provides free services to eligible customers under the Lifeline program.
Additionally, despite the expected reduction in ACP benefits, Verizon ensures that its ACP customers on select prepaid plans, like Straight Talk and Tracfone, will receive a $30 discount for the month of May.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is ensuring continuity for its Assurance Wireless customers using ACP benefits, guaranteeing unchanged services and pricing through August 2024.
Additionally, T-Mobile will cover the ACP discount for Metro by T-Mobile users until June, after which they will receive a $15 monthly discount until August.
T-Mobile also promotes its affordable prepaid options, including data plans starting at $10 for 2GB and the Connect plan, which offers unlimited talk, texts, and 5GB of 5G data for $15 a month.
Access from AT&T
Access from AT&T is an affordable internet service program designed to help low-income households connect online.
The standard plan costs $30 per month and provides unlimited data.
However, households with maximum speeds of 10 Mbps or less available can opt for cheaper plans ranging from $5 to $10 per month, which might have data caps.
Installation and a Wi-Fi gateway/modem are provided at no extra cost. If a household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), they can potentially receive the service at no cost.
Apart from these providers, users can also apply for the FCC Lifeline program to continue receiving monthly discounts on wireless service from the government,
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