FCC launches program to give low-income Americans cheaper internet

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially launched its (ACP) on Friday that will provide millions of Americans with cheaper internet.

This is the $14.2 billion successor program to the Emergency Broadband Benefit that helped nearly nine million people afford internet access during the pandemic earlier this year.

Starting on Friday, households with an income that is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines will receive $30 off their monthly internet bill.

And those living on qualifying Tribal lands, which includes recognized reservations, pueblos and colonies, will be given a monthly discount of $75.

T-Mobile and AT&T announced Thursday they are joining the ACP and will provide their customers with the set discounts.

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.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement: ‘The response to the Emergency Broadband Benefit proved what many knew to be true: the cost of high-speed internet is out of reach for too many of us.

‘Now with the long-term Affordable Connectivity Program, we have the opportunity to enroll even more households and help ensure they can afford the internet connections they need for work, school, health care and more for years.’

The ACP will help make broadband services more affordable for about 30 percent of American households who may qualify. 

Starting on Friday, households with an income that is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines will receive $30 off their monthly internet bill

The program is replacing the Emergency Broadband Benefit, but the previous program gave households a $50 discount – now they are only receiving $30 off each month.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit was also available to households with in income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.

So far only AT&T and T-Mobile have joined the ACP.

AT&T Communications CEO Jeff McElfresh said in a statement: ‘Affordable internet – both wireline and wireless – is key to closing the digital divide.

Those living on qualifying Tribal lands, which includes recognized reservations, pueblos and colonies, will be given a monthly discount of $75

‘AT&T’s support of the Affordable Connectivity Program means our customers can reduce the cost of their internet by taking advantage of these long-term federal benefits. Offering low-cost internet options for our customers remains an important priority.’

AT&T and Cricket Wireless are said to start enrolling customers in early January, while T-Mobile has not yet stated when it will start accepting customers into the program.