JONESBORO — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that unless the United States Congress appropriates additional funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) soon, it expects the program to end this spring and is taking steps to “wind down” the program.
The ACP provides a $30 per month discount on home internet or cell phone service and a one-time $100 discount towards the purchase of a personal computer, laptop, or tablet for low-income households.
In 2021, Congress established the Affordable Connectivity Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and appropriated $14.2 billion for the program.
The FCC was tasked with developing and implementing the ACP as well as ACP outreach and awareness activities.
There are more than over 22 million households in the U.S. are enrolled and receiving the ACP monthly benefit. The anticipated date of April 2024 is an FCC estimate and may change.
As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down the ACP, which means:
— No new ACP enrollments will be accepted after Feb. 7 at 11:59 p.m.
— Households that enrolled with an ACP internet company before Feb. 7 at 11:59 p.m. will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out as long as the household remains enrolled and eligible for the benefit.
— When ACP funds run out, households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts.
ACP eligibility is based on income or participation in a government assistance program.
All eligible Clayton County households are encouraged to visit the Office of Digital Equity’s website to verify eligibility and apply, if qualified, no later than Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 11:59 p.m.
“In the coming weeks leading up to the application deadline, our office is available to answer any questions about the program, or to assist Clayton County residents…
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