What's happening with ACP?
The $14.2 billion initially allocated by Congress for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has run out. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that April 2024 would be the last month households receive the full ACP discount. Some households might have received a partial discount in May 2024 if their provider participated in the partial reimbursement program. Without new funding from Congress, ACP discounts will no longer be available after June 1, 2024.
How can you help Save ACP?
Use https://nalalifeline.org/save-acp/ to email or call congressional representatives. Speak up for over 22 million households in danger of losing ACP benefits.
Can an Internet Service Provider charge me if I cancel my service plan?
No. If you entered into a service plan with a service contract and applied your ACP discount to that service plan, the internet company cannot charge you an early termination fee for terminating that service contract early, even after the ACP ends.
Can my Internet Service Provider terminate my service if I miss a payment?
No. Providers cannot terminate an ACP eligible household’s internet service for failure to pay for the service until 90 days has passed since the bill payment due date. However, ACP internet companies can switch the household to a lower cost plan with advance notice if the household enters a delinquent status after the bill due date.
Now that the ACP had ended, what do I do now?
Households eligible for the ACP have several affordable plans to choose from. To explore the different options, visit our Affordable Offers page or call us at 866-922-1016 to check your eligibility and apply.
To support the extension of the ACP program, please visit https://nalalifeline.org/save-acp/ and urge Congress to renew it.
How to qualify for affordable internet service?
To qualify for affordable internet service, you will need to meet the criteria set by your chosen service provider which include factors like household income or enrollment in certain government assistance programs such as:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- CalFresh (food stamps) or SNAP
- Medi-Cal or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Pell Grant
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Women, Children, and Infant Benefit (WIC)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- FCC Lifeline
Contact your internet service provider or call the RivcoConnect support center at 866-922-1016 to check if you’re eligible.
Who are the internet service providers that are offering affordable internet?
- Spectrum: Internet Assist for $24.99/month
- AT&T: Access for $30/month
- Frontier: Frontier Fiber 200 Internet for $29.99/month
- Xtream: Internet 100 for $29.99/month
- ConnectAnza: Standard Residential Service for $49.00/month
Please note you’ll need to meet the provider’s eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the affordable internet plan.
How can I determine if my residential area qualifies for the affordable internet service provider plans?
Each provider has its own coverage area. Visit www.internetforallnow.org/offers/low-cost-plans and use the zip code search tool to find a service provider offering affordable internet plans in your area.
Would this price be for existing customers as well?
Yes, this is available to existing customers. Each provider has their qualification criteria which include programs like WIC, SSI, and/or household income. Please call us at 866-922-1016, and we will help you find a plan that suits your needs. We’ll guide you through the process.
What is FCC Lifeline? Do I qualify? And why should I consider it?
Lifeline is a federal benefit that lowers the cost of phone or internet service. If you are an AT&T or Frontier customer, you may also qualify for additional discounts through the Lifeline program. Customers enrolled in Lifeline can receive up to $9.25 off the cost of their home internet service.
You can get Lifeline if you participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Or
If your household income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Call your provider to apply or visit Lifelinesupport.org.
What is the difference between FCC Lifeline and the California Lifeline program?
The California Lifeline program offers eligible households a discount of up to $19 per month on their home phone or cell phone bills. Additionally, the FCC Lifeline program provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month on home phone, cell phone, broadband internet, or bundled voice-broadband services from participating providers. Eligible households can receive both benefits.
- To enroll in the FCC Lifeline program, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ or call (800) 234-9473.
- To enroll in the California Lifeline program, visit https://californialifeline.com/ or call (866) 272-0349. For assistance in Spanish, call (866) 272-0350.
How to submit a consumer complaint to the FCC for ACP related misconduct?
By filing a consumer complaint and sharing your experience, you contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts on a national scale and help the FCC identify trends and track the issues that matter most to consumers, to include internet affordability.
To submit a complaint:
- Visit https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov
- Or Call 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322)
What is going to happen after I have filed a complaint?
If you have submitted a complaint about your internet service or billing under the ACP, you will receive confirmation emails and periodic updates. These emails will also allow you to respond and provide any additional information if needed. While the FCC cannot resolve every individual complaint, they provide guidance on potential next steps you can take. The data collected from complaints helps the FCC monitor consumer experiences and may prompt investigations into broader issues affecting consumers.