New 'Access from AT&T' Plan + New Federal Benefit = Free Internet

Rhea-AI Summary

AT&T is launching a new initiative to provide free home internet service for eligible households, leveraging the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Access from AT&T program now offers plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps for only $30 per month, significantly increasing the previous maximum speed of 10 Mbps. Customers eligible for the ACP can receive internet services at no monthly charge, with additional options available for those on Tribal lands. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and enhance internet accessibility for low-income households.

Positive

• Launch of free internet service for eligible households through the ACP.
• Introduction of faster internet plans with speeds up to 100 Mbps for $30 per month.
• No data caps on new Access from AT&T plans.
• AT&T's commitment of $2 billion over three years to help close the digital divide.

Negative

• Monthly subsidy under ACP decreases from $50 to $30 starting March 1.
• Current Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) recipients must reverify eligibility, which may cause temporary disruptions.

DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T* is driving down the cost of home internet for eligible households to the best monthly rate possible – $0. Available starting today, this free option is made possible by combining a new plan from our low-cost Access from AT&T program with federal benefits from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Free internet sounds too good to be true. How is AT&T making this possible?

The Access from AT&T program now provides faster internet plans with up to 100 Mbps of symmetrical speeds for $30 per month, an increase from the 10 Mbps maximum provided in our original Access from AT&T plan. In addition, there's no cap on data usage with the new $30 Access from AT&T plans. ¹

Customers who prefer our original Access from AT&T plans and have speeds of 10Mbps or less available, don't have to worry. You can still take advantage of reliable internet with our $5 - $10 per month plans. ¹

All households that qualify for ACP will also qualify for our Access from AT&T program, including the newest speed tier. Eligible households that take advantage of the up to $30 per month ACP benefit (or up to $75 per month for those on qualified Tribal lands) can then receive internet service at no monthly charge.

How do I take advantage of free internet?

First, confirm that you are eligible for the ACP benefit and get approved with the federal government's National Verifier at acpbenefit.org. Then, call us at (855) 220-5211. We'll verify your ACP approval and set you up on a plan with the ACP benefit.

You can choose to apply your ACP benefit to our Access from AT&T plan, or you can apply it to most of our existing AT&T Internet plans. Check out which AT&T internet plans are available in your area.

What if I would like to use my ACP benefit on plans other than Access from AT&T?

Just ask! You can apply the ACP benefit to most of our existing AT&T Internet plans. That means qualified customers can save up to $30 per month (up to $75 per month on qualifying Tribal lands) on most plans that we offer. That includes our fastest plans on AT&T Fiber, with speeds up to 5-Gigs in more than 70 metro areas. ²

Customers can also choose to apply the ACP benefit to their AT&T Prepaid or Cricket Wireless plan. The benefit is limited to one per household.

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 until March 1^st. To receive the ACP benefit starting March 1^st 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).

What people are saying:

Ebony Ford from Atlanta says Access from AT&T provided critical support when she needed it most: "I had no car, no job, no money, no internet. I discovered the Access from AT&T program. It was the segue for me to be able to apply for benefits, look for childcare programs, look for jobs, attend training. It literally was my foundation to be able to get back on my feet. It all started with Access from AT&T." Check out this video to see more of Ebony's testimonial.

Cheryl Choy, SVP- Broadband Management & Strategy: "Making home internet affordable for low-income households is an important step toward closing the digital divide. The new Access from AT&T plan provides improved speeds, no data cap and works in concert with the federal ACP benefit. Free internet service can be the difference in getting homework done, being able to apply for a job, or receiving medical care."

What else is AT&T doing to help close the digital divide?

AT&T has a 3-year, $2 billion commitment to address the digital divide through our low-cost broadband offers, participation in the ACP and charitable contributions through the AT&T Connected Learning program.

You can read more about what we are doing to close the digital divide here.

*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.

Disclaimers

1 Access Plans 10Mbps and below have data allowances. Customers who exceed those allowances may incur a $10 fee. Through April 30, 2022, AT&T is waiving data overage fees for those Access AT&T customers.

2Limited availability in select areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum wired network service capability speeds to the home and recommended setup. Actual customer speeds are not guaranteed. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. Visit att.com/speed101 for details

 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-access-from-att-plan--new-federal-benefit--free-internet-301476188.html

SOURCE AT&T Communications

FAQ

What is the new AT&T program for free internet service?

AT&T has launched the Access from AT&T program that allows eligible households to receive free internet service via the Affordable Connectivity Program.

How can I qualify for free internet from AT&T?

To qualify for free internet, confirm your eligibility for the ACP benefit and get approved through the National Verifier.

What speeds are available through the new Access from AT&T plans?

The new Access from AT&T plans offer speeds of up to 100 Mbps for $30 per month.

How does the Affordable Connectivity Program affect my internet service?

Eligible households can receive internet service at no monthly charge if they qualify for the ACP benefit.

What will happen to my Emergency Broadband Benefit on March 1?

Starting March 1, the monthly subsidy will decrease from $50 to $30, and recipients will need to reverify their eligibility.