The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that provides monthly discounts on broadband internet service to eligible households. The program was created in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law in November 2021.
The ACP has been very successful in its first year of operation. As of February 2023, more than 16 million households have enrolled in the program. This represents a significant increase from the 11.3 million households that were enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which preceded the ACP.
The ACP is having a real impact on the lives of low-income households. A recent study by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA) found that the program is helping households to connect to the internet, improve their educational outcomes, and find jobs.
The study found that 73% of ACP-eligible households that enrolled in the program reported that they were now able to connect to the internet at home. This is a significant increase from the 58% of households that were connected to the internet before enrolling in the program.
The study also found that ACP-eligible households that enrolled in the program were more likely to report that their children were doing better in school. For example, 62% of households with children that enrolled in the program reported that their children were now getting better grades in school.
Finally, the study found that ACP-eligible households that enrolled in the program were more likely to report that they were now able to find jobs. For example, 56% of households with adults that enrolled in the program reported that they were now employed.
The ACP is a vital program that is helping low-income households to connect to the internet and improve their lives. The program is making a real impact and it is helping to close the digital divide.
Here are some other things to know about the ACP:
- The ACP provides a monthly discount of up to $30 on broadband internet service for eligible households.
- The ACP also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop or tablet for eligible households.
- To be eligible for the ACP, households must meet certain income requirements.
- Households can apply for the ACP through their internet service provider or through the ACP website.
If you are a low-income household and you need help connecting to the internet, the ACP may be able to help you. Visit the ACP website to learn more and to apply for the program.
ACP Opens Doors: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) grants the right to vulnerable families and individuals to access broadband connections and unlock the limitless opportunities provided through internet access. This includes:
- Applying for jobs online or receiving online education.
- Acquiring digital skills to progress in the workforce.
- Reducing the availability gap of healthcare services for rural Americans through telehealth.
This program has been transformative for millions of people who are striving to improve their lives, thanks to the boundless opportunities offered by broadband services. To learn more about ACP and the role of the cable industry in promoting broadband adoption, refer to NCTA’s spokesperson.
Note: ACP stands for Affordable Connectivity Program and NCTA stands for National Cable and Telecommunications Association.
