After the Affordable Connectivity Program expired in June, an estimated 5 million families had to deactivate their internet. With $30 to $75 monthly off their internet bills, the internet subsidy for low-income households supplied almost 23 million homes in the US. Anyone who made less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level—$62,400 for a family of four—could access the government program. Nearly half of ACP subscribers were military families, according to a White House fact sheet. Older Americans, African Americans, and Latinos have also relied on the ACP alternatives for low-income at higher rates.
Several bills have been proposed in Congress to expand the program; the Senate Commerce Committee voted to attach an ACP extension to an existing bill at the end of July, but none have been voted upon. “The big issue with the ACP is that the longer we go without it, the harder it is to reauthorize it,” Joel Thayer, president of the Digital Progress Institute, told me before the election. “In general, I don’t see a political will for it.”
Experts are split on how Republicans’ election wins could impact an ACP revival. While the party has generally supported tightening the income requirements for the ACP, some high-profile Republicans — including Vice President JD Vance — have sponsored ACP extension bills. Additionally, signed by President Donald Trump in 2020 was the COVID-19 relief package, which included the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which subsequently evolved into the ACP.
That’s a small glimmer of hope for former ACP recipients who’ve had to cancel their internet or find extra money in their budgets over the past two months. “It’s been the difference between having a roof over my head, eating, and paying for the internet, which includes things like virtual appointments with my psychiatrist,” “It basically helps me to keep from having to choose what bills I’m going to pay.” Although no one source can replace the $14.2 billion ACP, local and state subsidies, nonprofits, and discounted plans from providers can help ease the shift. Here is everything that is accessible right now.
ACP Alternatives for Low-income – Internet
Low-Cost Program from Verizon
Verizon has a few strategies to make internet service more reasonably priced since they realize everyone deserves to be connected:
Forward: Verizon: Savings and Speed
Consider Verizon Forward as your online budget hero. For just $20 a month, you can access shockingly fast internet. Where you live will determine whether you zoom around at rates ranging from 300 Mbps. That means super smooth video calls, streaming your favorite shows, and playing some online games without lag.
How does it work? Verizon brings you that speed by combining technologies. Some areas have Fios, an extremely robust fiber line. In some places, they could beam the internet straight to your house using their strong 5G or LTE cell phone networks. The hippest component is that if you’re a new Verizon Forward customer, you will receive the first six months entirely free!
Safelink: Lifeline Makes it Possible
Safelink is a unique program specifically designed for folks who need extra help affording essential services like the internet. It partners with a federal program called Lifeline, which is all about making sure everyone can stay connected. Safelink could make your internet free if you qualify for Lifeline (based on your income or if you engage in some government assistance programs).
Verizon Value Paid: A Rightful Hand (For Right Now)
If you already have a prepaid Verizon plan for your phone (like Straight Talk or Tracfone), you’ve been getting that ACP discount for a long time. Verizon is aiming to lessen the impact by giving you smaller discounts for a few months to help with the change, even when that complete discount is disappearing. Remember, though, this is only temporary assistance; hence, start looking at those other Verizon alternatives quickly.
T-Mobile: Your Internet Buddy
T-Mobile has some strategies to help you stay connected since they want to make sure this shift doesn’t leave you hanging:
Assurance Wireless: No Worries, For Now
You’re lucky if you already use Assurance Wireless and are getting the ACP discount. T-Mobile will keep your plan exactly how it is until August 2024. That means you can relax and not worry about your internet changing for a good while.
Metro by T-Mobile: A Little Support Counts a Lot.
Have you received Metro from T-Mobile? They’ll cover that full ACP discount for you until June. They are not leaving you stranded after that; you will still get a $15 monthly discount until August. This allows you time to work out another solution that fits or changes to another plan.
Prepared Power: Smaller Sometimes Is Better
Not everyone needs tons of internet every month. If you’re good with a little bit of data for checking emails, using social media, and some light browsing, T-Mobile’s prepaid plans offer affordable options. Their scheme calls for a modest data load for as little as $10 a month.
Their Connect by T-Mobile plan offers unlimited talk and text plus a decent chunk of data for just a little more ($15/month), which would be ideal if you use the internet on your phone often.
More Options to Explore
Don’t think the helpful programs stop there! Here are a few additional ideas to consider:
Lifeline: The Original Helper
Before the ACP program existed, Lifeline assisted people with low incomes in obtaining less expensive phone or internet service. The government runs this initiative to ensure everyone has a means of interaction with the surroundings. To get this discount, you either need to have a low income or participate in other government programs that help people out (like SNAP or Medicaid).
The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
Your Internet Company: Consult the Experts.
Sometimes, the most excellent place to start is with the firm you already use. Talk to them and see if they have special programs for people who need a little help with their internet bill. Ask without reservation! Budget-wise, other major providers, including Comcast, AT&T, and even smaller local businesses, could also have plans worth looking at.
Free Wi-Fi: A Short Fix
Remember that many locations have free Wi-Fi in a pinch! Your local library is a great tool; you can use their free internet and computer capabilities. You could briefly access several cafes, restaurants, and even community centers by hopping on their Wi-Fi. Though it might not be the most convenient answer for daily use, this is a great way to get online for temporary needs.
Alternative Affordable Connectivity Programs (ACP) Free Tablet Options
Combining deals on tablets with ACP replacement plans
Carrier Agreements: When you sign up for Verizon’s or T-Mobile’s internet service, their ACP replacement plans sometimes include tablet savings or special incentives. Check their most recent offers since devices and bundles change often.
Refurbished Options: Major stores, including Amazon and Best Buy, as well as carriers, sometimes have heavily discounted refurbished tablets. These are pre-owned but tested, so if coupled with a low-cost internet plan, they could be quite a bargain.
Keep a look out for seasonal specials, back-to-school sales, and holiday discounts. Occasionally, there are combined offers whereby a tablet comes with a new internet contract.
Government Programs for Help: Lifeline with Tablet Providers Some firms who participate in the Lifeline program also offer low-cost tablets or even supply a tablet with a qualifying plan. Providers can vary by state, so research in your specific area.
Schools and Education Programs: See your school district whether you are a student or if your children are. They might have programs that help families get devices for schoolwork, sometimes at no cost.
Several nonprofits Emphasize digital inclusion and seek to close the digital divide. Look online for local companies that might have devices available for free or at much-lowered rates, depending on your situation.
The “Almost Free” Route
Trade-Ins: If you have an old tablet or smartphone, trade-in programs can occasionally get you enough credit to make a new tablet relatively reasonable.
Financing: Many merchants and carriers allow you to pay for a tablet over time in payments. Consider this option if you need a device immediately and can afford the monthly payments.
Some credit cards and rewards programs, such as those offered by grocery stores, occasionally provide points redeemable for electronics, including tablets.
“Free” Doesn’t Always Mean No Cost: Some plans advertise “free” tablets but require multi-year contracts that could be more expensive in the long run. Read the fine print!
Low-income programs from Internet providers
AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity are just a few of the internet companies that offer low-income customers subsidized rates. Although the conditions differ, they are often comparable to those of the ACP: You must either enroll in a government program such as the National School Lunch Program or SNAP or fulfill specific income restrictions.
The National Digital Inclusion Alliance developed the Grading Internet for Good score system, which is based on elements including pricing, transparency, and plan performance, to assist customers in navigating these reduced plans. The NDIA ratings and some basic details about each plan are provided below.
Internet provider discounts
ProgramMonthly price maximum speedNDIA score
| Program | Monthly price | Maximum speed | NDIA score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access from AT&T | $30 | 100Mbps | Better |
| Astound Internet First | $10-$20 | 50-150Mbps | Better |
| Cox Connect2Compete (for families) | $10 | 100Mbps | Better |
| Cox ConnectAssist (for individuals) | $30 | 100Mbps | Good |
| Mediacom Xtream Connect | $29 | 100Mbps | Better |
To determine which providers are available in your area, enter your address on the Federal Communication Commission’s broadband map.
Nonprofit Organization
There are a number of nonprofits around the country with the goal of closing the digital divide. Some offer equipment that links you to the internet, while others assist with monthly internet fees. These groups all acquired nonprofit status from the IRS and were reviewed by watchdogs like Charity Navigator and Guidestar.org:
Connect All: A division of the nonprofit InterConnection, Connect All offers low-income consumers reconditioned computers. The ACP’s eligibility requirements are comparable to these: You will immediately be eligible for devices if you are enrolled in government programs such as SNAP or SSI.
EveryoneOn: EveryoneOn is one of the most wide-ranging internet nonprofits. Its locator tool allows you to identify low-cost plans and laptops in your neighborhood, participate in digital skills courses, and find local events that distribute devices.
Human-I-T is a nonprofit organization that takes corporate gifts, refurbishes the gadgets, and then offers them to veterans, low-income households, seniors, and other eligible groups at a reduced price. It also provides low-cost internet through its mobile hotspot devices for less than $30 per month.
Internet for All Now: This is a project of the charity California Emerging Technology Fund that helps Californians find low-cost plans in their area. The website contains materials that anyone in the nation can utilize, but Californians can contact and talk to a qualified professional.
PCs for People: PCs for People earned a “Good” score from the NDIA for its wireless internet through hotspots. It costs $15 a month plus $45 for the modem up front, and you can anticipate 50/10 Mbps speeds. Similar to the ACP, eligibility conditions include being enrolled in an income-based government assistance program or having a household income below 200% of the federal poverty threshold, which is equivalent to 60% of the area median income.
National Digital Inclusion Alliance: Although it doesn’t provide free internet, the NDIA is a renowned center for research and policy aimed at bridging the digital divide. It’s also a valuable tool for navigating the internet. To find out what’s available in your area, you can also use this map of NDIA affiliates offering broadband adoption services.
