AT&T Offers Eligible Customers Low-Cost Broadband Through New Federal Program

Rhea-AI Summary

AT&T and Cricket Wireless have initiated enrollment for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), designed to enhance broadband affordability for eligible users. This new $14 billion federal initiative replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program and aims to bridge the digital divide. The ACP offers up to $30 per month for qualifying households and maintains a $75 benefit for households on Tribal lands. The program's eligibility criteria have expanded, allowing households on WIC benefits or those earning below 200% of federal poverty levels to qualify. Enrollment for the EBB has ended, but current beneficiaries will maintain their benefits until March 1.

Positive

• Launch of the $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to enhance broadband access.
• The ACP offers a monthly benefit of up to $30 for eligible households.
• Provides a continued $75 benefit for households on Tribal lands, maintaining digital access.

Negative

• Monthly subsidy decreases from the previous Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) maximum of $50 to $30 under the ACP starting March 1.

DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --

What's the news?  AT&T* and Cricket Wireless opened enrollment today for the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which lowers the monthly cost of broadband service for eligible customers and will help close the digital divide.

Congress recently created the long-term $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program, which replaces the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. This investment will help ensure that substantially more Americans can afford the broadband connections they need for work, school, healthcare and more. 

Why is this important? Affordability is one of the key roadblocks to narrowing the digital divide. The ACP will provide eligible customers with federal benefits that can be applied to home internet or wireless services from AT&T and Cricket Wireless.

What's new? 
Under the ACP, the maximum monthly benefit will change to up to $30 per month for eligible households. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Existing EBB customers will continue to receive monthly benefits of up to $50 per month through March 1.

Households will also have new ways to qualify for ACP such as: receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can find all eligibility requirements at acpbenefit.org.

When does this change take effect?
New customers can confirm eligibility with the National Verifier and enroll in the ACP today. EBB enrollment ended December 30, 2021.

I'm currently receiving the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). What do I need to do?
Nothing right now. Your current benefit will remain the same through March 1. To receive ACP benefit after March 1, you may be contacted by the Universal Services Administrative Co. (USAC) to reverify your eligibility. If you qualified under the EBB COVID temporary loss of income criteria, the National Verifier will need to reverify your eligibility under different criteria prior to March 1.

The main thing to remember is that the monthly subsidy will decrease from the EBB program's $50 maximum to up to $30 under the ACP on March 1 (there is no change to the Tribal benefit).

I never participated in the EBB. How do I enroll in the ACP?
Step 1 – You must first apply to the federal government's National Verifier at ACPBenefit.org to determine if you are eligible for ACP. Eligibility is determined by the federal government, not by AT&T. You may get approved online in just a few minutes, although it could take up to a few days if an application requires a manual review. 

Step 2 – Once approved, you will be able to order new AT&T Internet or prepaid wireless service, or have the benefit applied to your existing service. More details on the process will be available at att.com/acp.

What AT&T and Cricket Wireless services are eligible for the benefit?

You can find out details on which AT&T services are available by going to att.com/acp or to cricketwireless.com/ACP for information on Cricket Wireless plans. There you can find out about our home internet service, which is available in 21 states as well as our nationwide prepaid wireless services from Cricket Wireless and AT&T PREPAID. 

*About AT&T Communications

We help family, friends and neighbors connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to mobile video streaming, we @ATT innovate to improve lives. AT&T Communications is part of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). For more information, please visit us at att.com.

© 2022 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

 

 

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SOURCE AT&T Communications

FAQ

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered by AT&T?

The ACP is a federal program that provides eligible households with a monthly broadband subsidy of up to $30, helping to improve internet affordability.

How much will AT&T customers benefit from the ACP?

Eligible customers can receive a monthly benefit of up to $30 under the ACP, while households on Tribal lands receive up to $75.

When does the ACP enrollment period begin?

Enrollment for the ACP started on January 7, 2022.

What happens to my current Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB)?

Current EBB beneficiaries will maintain their benefits until March 1, 2022, after which they will need to apply for the ACP.

How can I apply for the ACP?

To apply for the ACP, you need to use the National Verifier at acpbenefit.org to determine your eligibility.