Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Ended - Current Alternatives
- NOTICE: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) officially ended on June 1, 2024, after federal funding was exhausted. New applications are no longer being accepted. If you are looking for help paying for internet or a computer, you must now use the alternative programs listed below.
The ACP was once the largest federal broadband subsidy in the U.S., helping over 23 million households. Because Congress did not authorize new funding, the program is defunct. However, the infrastructure for low-income internet assistance has shifted to the Lifeline program and private "Internet Essentials" plans offered by major providers.
While the $30 monthly discount from the ACP is gone, many of the alternatives below offer similar price points (around $10–$20 per month) for high-speed home internet. If you previously had a device or tablet through an ACP provider, you own that device and do not need to return it, even if your service has changed.
Primary Federal Alternative: The Lifeline Program
Lifeline is the only remaining federal subsidy for telecommunications. While it existed long before the ACP, it is now the primary way to get a monthly discount on your bill.
- How it Works: Lifeline provides a monthly discount of $9.25 (or up to $34.25 for those on Tribal lands) that can be applied to either a mobile phone plan or home broadband. Unlike the ACP, which had a higher income limit, Lifeline requires your income to be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Learn more on how to get phone bill assistance.
- Eligibility: You automatically qualify if you or someone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. URL: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.
Low-Cost Private Internet Plans (ISP Programs)
Following the end of the ACP, most major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) maintained their own internal low-income programs to prevent customers from losing service. These do not rely on federal funding and are available directly through the companies.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: This remains one of the best "total" packages. For as little as $14.95 per month, you get up to 75 Mbps download speeds. The program includes a free cable modem and Wi-Fi router. A major benefit is the ability to purchase a refurbished laptop for as little at $149.99 after you are approved for the service. URL: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials.
- Access from AT&T: This plan provides speeds up to 100 Mbps for $30 per month or less. They have expanded their eligibility to include any household that participates in SNAP or has an income below 200% of the poverty level. There are no annual contracts and no installation fees for those in the program. URL: https://www.att.com/internet/access/.
- Spectrum Internet Assist: Available for $25 per month, this plan offers 50 Mbps speeds. It is specifically targeted at households with members who receive the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those aged 65 and older. URL: https://www.spectrum.net/support/forms/spectrum_internet_assist.
- Cox Connect2Compete: Designed for families with at least one K-12 student, this plan costs $9.95 per month. It includes Wi-Fi and requires no credit check or deposit. For individuals without students, Cox offers "ConnectAssist" for $30 per month. URL: https://www.cox.com/aboutus/connect2compete.html.
Hardware and Computer Replacements
The ACP offered a one-time $100 discount for a laptop or tablet. Since that discount is gone, you must use non-profit refurbishers to get hardware at a similar price point.
- PCs for People: This is a nationwide non-profit that provides high-quality refurbished Windows laptops and desktops for $50 to $150. They also offer low-cost mobile hotspots. You must provide proof of income (below 200% of the poverty level) or participation in a government program to buy from them. URL: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/.
- Human-I-T: This organization provides a platform where low-income individuals can apply for discounted tech products. They often have tablets and laptops that are significantly cheaper than retail. They also provide free digital literacy training to help you get the most out of your new device. URL: https://www.human-i-t.org/.
- T-Mobile Project 10Million: Specifically for K-12 students, this program provides a free mobile hotspot and 200GB of data per year. If your child's school participated in the National School Lunch Program, you are likely eligible for this free hardware and data bundle. URL: https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a new federal program replacing the ACP? No. As of early 2026, Congress has not passed a direct replacement. Several states, like New Mexico, have started their own state-level subsidies, but there is no nationwide equivalent to the $30 ACP credit.
- Do I have to return my ACP tablet or laptop? No. Any device you received with an ACP discount is yours to keep. If your service was disconnected when the funding ended, you can "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) to a Lifeline provider to get it reconnected.
- Can I still use the GetInternet.gov website? That site now primarily redirects users to the Lifeline National Verifier. You should go directly to the Lifeline website to start a new application.
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