ACP Makes Internet Free or More Affordable for Many
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) increases access to tech and internet service in Philly and nationwide
ACP stands for the Affordable Connectivity Program and it makes internet service free or affordable for people in Philly and nationwide.
WhiteHouse.gov, says ACP is:
“…part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Vice President Harris worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to create the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
“To deliver maximum cost savings to families, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost.” (White House, 2023)
This is a national program, but what is the Philly connection to ACP?
Peter Key’s Philly Voice article further explained Philly’s partnership with Comcast and how “Families can qualify [for ACP] if they are eligible for certain federal aid programs, including Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Supplemental Security Income.” (Key, 2022)
February 2022, the City of Philadelphia announced its 5-Year Digital Equity Plan and introduced their Digital Service Team and city-wide programs with PHLConnectEd and Digital Navigators programs to increase access to “public computing centers, digital literacy courses, and more”.
Philly is also being proactive. PHLConnected has partnered with the Mayor’s Community Resource Corps (CRC) and is calling Philadelphia residents to tell them about the ACP discount and help them apply (if they need assistance). For the full eligibility list, here is the link to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) ACP website.
