ACP Ended: 5 Best ACP Alternatives For Low-income
With the end of the ACP program, explore new ways to stay connected without spending too much. Low-income families can still find many options for affordable phone and internet service. These best ACP alternative programs will let you get online your way.
1. Why is the ACP Ending?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a government initiative that helped low-income households get affordable internet access. This program offered a $30 discount on your monthly broadband bill. If you live on Tribal lands, you could get up to $75 monthly for your internet service.
The ACP was created to help low-income households stay connected. It gave millions of families a monthly discount on broadband.
We know this isn’t the news anyone wanted to hear, but the ACP has officially come to an end because Congress did not provide more funding. Starting June 1, 2024, households will no longer get the ACP discount on their broadband bills. The program stopped accepting new applications on February 7, 2024, and the last fully funded month was April 2024.
The end of the ACP raises bigger questions about the future of internet affordability in the U.S. Will another program take its place? For now, if you are using the ACP, check below to see if there are any alternative discounts.
2. ACP Alternative to Internet Service
2.1. Lifeline
Lifeline is the last remaining official government program that offers benefits similar to those of the ACP. This program aims to help low-income households save on their monthly communication bills. If you qualify, you can receive up to $9.25 off your internet or phone bill each month. And if you live on Tribal lands, you could get even more, up to $34.25 each month.
One of the best things about the Lifeline program is that its licensed providers offer a range of benefits. For example, if you apply for Lifeline on AirTalk Wireless, you might be eligible for a discounted or free phone, tablet, or bundle. It’s a great way to not only save on services but also get some upgraded devices.
How to qualify
Income-based criteria:
If your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may be eligible for Lifeline. Find the specific income limits for your state.
Program-based criteria:
If you participate in any of the following programs, you may be eligible for Lifeline:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
If you live on Tribal lands, there are a few additional programs that make you eligible:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered TANF
- Tribal Head Start (for income-eligible households)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
What documents do you need?
Once you know you qualify, you’ll need to gather some documents.
If you’re qualifying through a program, you’ll need to provide an official document that shows:
- Your name (or your dependent’s name)
- The name of the program you’re part of
- The government or Tribal agency that issued the document
- The issue date (make sure it’s within the last 12 months or has a future expiration)
If you’re qualifying through income, you must provide proof of your income. This includes:
- Your name (or your dependent’s name)
- Your annual income
- Income documentation for the past three months (like pay stubs or tax forms if your income hasn’t been the same for a year)
Other documents you may need:
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Social Security Number or Tribal ID
- Duplicate Address (if applicable)
- Identity & Life Verification
2.2. Spectrum
Spectrum Internet Assist is a good alternative to ACP program to help low-income households access reliable internet at a price that won’t cost too much. For just $25 a month, you get 50Mbps of download speed plus a free modem.
To be eligible, someone in your household needs to be a recipient of one of these government programs:
- The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of NSLP.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for people 65 and older.
Besides, if you’re a Spectrum customer affected by the end of ACP, the program offers a free Spectrum Mobile line with the Internet Premier plan for 12 months. That’s a $30 per month value, for being a loyal customer.
2.3. TDS Telecom
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, TDS Telecom is one of the larger players in the telecommunications world. If you’re looking for affordable, high-speed internet, its popular program, TDS Connect, is an amazing option for low-income households that qualify.
For $30 a month, you get up to 200 Mbps symmetrical speeds. You get a Wi-Fi modem and 24/7 tech support.
2.4. Mediacom
Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program is for low-income households seeking affordable internet. If you’re on a tight budget, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
The Xtream Connect program offers speeds of up to 100Mbps and starts at just $14.99 per month. This plan is more than capable of handling your internet needs at a super affordable price.
If you apply for Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program, someone in your household must be enrolled in one of the programs like Federal Pell Grant, Lifeline, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and more. And you need to live in an area where Mediacom offers service.
2.5. Frontier Communications
While Frontier Communications doesn’t have a specific low-income program like some other providers, Frontier’s Fiber 200 Internet plan is a great option if you’re looking for reliable, low-cost internet.
For $29.99 a month (with Auto Pay), you can get 200 Mbps fiber internet for the first 12 months. After that, the price goes up to $39.99 a month, which is still pretty affordable compared to other internet options out there.
3. ACP Alternative to Phone Service
When it comes to finding affordable phone service, Lifeline is the only official government program left that offers benefits similar to what you might have seen with the ACP. Besides, there are still some carriers that offer discounted or free phone service when you sign up:
- AirTalk Wireless: You’ll have the chance to get discounted Lifeline plans plus discounted to free phones, tablets, unlimited talk and text, among many others.
- AT&T
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
Check out how to apply for Lifeline.
These are well-known and have options that might fit your budget. But if you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly, check out some prepaid options. No contracts, no hidden fees. Here are some great prepaid services:
- Google Fi
- Visible
4. ACP Alternatives for Low-income Households by Region
Some great ACP alternative programs are available for low-income households across different regions. Based on where you’re located, you can find the best deal that works for you.
California
- Lifeline
- California Broadband for All
- Human-I-T California Connectivity Bundle
- Mediacom Xtream Connect
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- TDS Connect
Kentucky
- Lifeline in Kentucky
- Kinetic by Windstream Benefit Credit
- Mediacom Xtream Connect
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- Xfinity Internet Essentials
Montana
- Lifeline in Montana
- Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- TDS Connect
Alaska
- GCI Lifeline with Data
- Human-I-T Franklin T10 Hotspot
- Alaska Lifeline
- SpitWSpots Keep Alaska Connected
Oklahoma
- Lifeline in Oklahoma
- Bluepeak
- Optimum Advantage Internet
- TDS Connect
Conclusion
These best ACP alternatives for low-income households give you the flexibility to pick the plan and service that suits you best. They help you stay in touch, handle your money, and get solid service. Boost your communication with the right option.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
