Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Transitions to New Affordable Connectivity Program
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.
The transition from the EBB program to ACP is now underway. All households fully enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. However, any household not enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021, must register for the ACP.
The ACP provides eligible households with:
- Up to a $30/month discount on internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount for homes on qualifying Tribal lands
- Up to a $100 discount for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Consumers need to enroll in the ACP with a participating provider that offers connected devices (not all internet companies offer device discounts).
The FCC encourages state and local governments, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to use its outreach materials and resources to communicate changes to affected residents to help ensure eligible households continue to receive this critical benefit.
