Consolidated Telco Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program helped low-income households afford broadband until it ended. Discounts from Consolidated Telco under this program are no longer available.

Table of Contents

What was the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a U.S. government program that gave low-income families a discount on internet service so they didn't have to decide between paying for broadband or other necessities.

The program also offered a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.

To ask whether Consolidated Telco has any low-income plans today, contact the company directly.

What did the Affordable Connectivity Program provide?

These benefits are no longer available.

  • Up to $30 per month to help households afford high-speed internet service from companies such as Consolidated Telco.
  • Up to $75 per month if the household was on qualifying Tribal lands.
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
  • One Affordable Connectivity Program benefit per household. A household could also get a Lifeline Program benefit at the same time.

Who Was Eligible for the Consolidated Telco Affordable Connectivity Program?

These were the federal rules while the program was running, and Consolidated Telco did not set them. They no longer apply, because no one can join the ACP now.

  • Households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
  • Households that met the eligibility criteria for Consolidated Telco's existing low-income program.
  • Households that received one or more of the benefits below
    • A Lifeline Program benefit; OR
    • A Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; OR

      • For those living on qualifying Tribal lands, one of the following assistance programs: OR

      • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
      • Tribal TANF
      • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
      • Tribal Head Start (income based)

      Certain assistance programs, such as one of the following:

      • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
      • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which used to be called Food Stamp
      • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
      • Medicaid
      • Federal Housing Assistance Program (Section 8)
      • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
      • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What documents did the ACP require?

The ACP is closed, so you don't need these documents for it now. While the program was running, applicants could be asked for:

  • Documentation that verified their identity (birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, green card, e.g.)
  • A document that verified their address (utility bill, lease statement, W-2, e.g.)
  • If they qualified through income, a document showing annual income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • If they participated in qualifying programs, a letter or official document as proof.
  • If they were emancipated minors, court documents or a certificate of emancipation.

Lifeline has its own rules. See what documents Lifeline may ask for.

Where to Get Help Now That the Consolidated Telco ACP Discount Has Ended

1

Check if You Qualify for Lifeline

See if your household meets the Lifeline eligibility rules. Lifeline is a separate program with a lower income limit than the ACP had.

2

Check if someone else at your address gets Lifeline

Use the Lifeline Household Worksheet if someone else at your address gets a Lifeline benefit.

The answers to these questions will help you find out if there is more than one household at your address.

3

Look at Your Options

See how Lifeline works and how to use it. You can also contact Consolidated Telco to ask whether it has any low-income plans of its own.

See Lifeline Options

Are you already enrolled in the Lifeline Program? The end of the ACP did not end your Lifeline benefit, as long as you still qualify.

Federal Poverty Guidelines

The ACP limit was 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. This table shows recent guideline amounts for reference only. The Lifeline limit is lower, at 135%. See the Lifeline income limits to check whether you may qualify today.

POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Persons in Family Poverty Limit(100%) Poverty Limit(200%)
1 $15,960 $31,920
2 $21,640 $43,280
3 $27,320 $54,640
4 $33,000 $66,000
5 $38,680 $77,360
6 $44,360 $88,720
7 $50,040 $100,080
8 $55,720 $111,440
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person.

Former Affordable Connectivity Program Providers

These companies are no longer able to offer an ACP discount. Some may have their own low-income plans, so ask them directly.

See the full list of former Affordable Connectivity Program providers.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How long did the Affordable Connectivity Program last?

The ACP launched on December 31, 2021, and ended on June 1, 2024.

2. Is the Affordable Connectivity Program permanent?

No. The ACP ran out of money and ended on June 1, 2024, because Congress did not provide more funding.

3. Was the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) legitimate?

Yes. The ACP was a U.S. government program from the FCC that helped many low-income households pay for broadband service and internet-connected devices. It has ended, so be careful with any website that offers to sign you up for it today.

4. Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) the same as the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB)?

The ACP took the place of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB). Congress extended and changed the EBB and renamed it the Affordable Connectivity Program. Both programs have ended.

5. When did the ACP program start?

The ACP launched on December 31, 2021.

6. Can I still sign up for the Consolidated Telco Affordable Connectivity Program?

No. The ACP has ended, so no one can sign up through Consolidated Telco or any other company. You can check whether you qualify for the Lifeline Phone Program, and ask Consolidated Telco whether it has any low-income plans of its own.

7. Did households receive the ACP money directly each month, or did it go to Consolidated Telco?

The ACP did not pay households directly. Participating internet companies applied the discount of up to $30 per month to the household's bill.

8. What was the ACP benefit amount for residents of Tribal Lands?

Eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands could receive a monthly discount of up to $75. That benefit has ended. Lifeline offers up to $34.25 per month on qualifying Tribal lands for eligible households.

9. Can I get the Affordable Connectivity Program if I have a past due balance with Consolidated Telco?

No. The ACP has ended, so it is not available to anyone. If you have a past due balance, ask Consolidated Telco about payment options.

10. Can I get the Affordable Connectivity Program if I am already a Consolidated Telco customer or was a customer in the past?

No. The ACP has ended, so it is not available to new, past, or existing customers of Consolidated Telco. Ask Consolidated Telco whether it has any low-income plans of its own.

11. Could my roommate and I each get a monthly ACP discount?

The ACP was limited to one monthly service discount per household, which was defined as any individual or group of individuals living together at the same address who shared income and expenses.

12. If I already receive Lifeline benefits, can I still get the Affordable Connectivity Program?

No. The ACP has ended, so no one can get it. The end of the ACP did not end your Lifeline benefit, as long as you still qualify.

Need help with phone or internet costs now? See the Lifeline Phone Program.