Affordable Connectivity Program Gets New Streamlined Enrollment Process

And the White House has asked Congress for $6 billion to extend the ACP program.

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers free or discounted high-speed internet to qualifying households. It provides a monthly internet discount of $30 for low-income households and $75 for residents of Tribal lands. Participants can also get a one-time $100 device subsidy to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

HUD's Deputy Secretary recently announced the department completed a new data-sharing agreement with the FCC to support access to the by reducing barriers to enrollment. This agreement means that any family receiving rental assistance from HUD can enroll to receive benefits from the ACP with minimal paperwork. 

One level deeper: This announcement builds on Secretary Marcia L. Fudge’s commitment to advance digital equity and ensure families are connected to affordable internet. Earlier this summer, HUD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the FCC, to encourage enrollment in the ACP for HUD-assisted families. In 2023, HUD has helped organize and facilitate over 45 ACP enrollment events with community partners across the United States. Last month, HUD released a notice in the Federal Register expanding the Department’s Connect HomeUSA initiative.

What’s next: The White House has made a formal request to Congress for $6 billion to extend the ACP program. The ACP was created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law could run out of funding as early as April 2024. Without bipartisan collaboration between Congress and the White House to continue the ACP, nearly 20 million households enrolled nationally could lose connectivity.

For now, all families receiving rental assistance from HUD are eligible to enroll in the ACP based on their housing assistance. To learn more and enroll, tenants can visit www.GetInternet.gov or call (877) 384-2575 to request a paper application.