ACP Bring Your Own Phone: What To Do After ACP Ends 

When you find a plan that fits your needs, it’s easy to assume it will always be there. That was the case for someone with ACP bring your own phone—it made staying connected effortless, and they didn’t think twice about it. The program provided discounts on monthly phone and internet service and also helped eligible residents receive a government ACP free phone through participating providers. But when the program ended, they suddenly had to figure out their next steps.  

If you’re in the same situation, wondering what to do next, here, we discuss the impact of ACP ending and provide a step-by-step guide on how to bring your own phone to a new plan.

1. What to Do Now That the ACP Program Has Ended  

With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) no longer being available since June 1, 2024, households that previously relied on this federal discount must now explore alternative options to stay connected.  

Many low-income individuals depend on their phones and Internet access to apply for jobs, study, see a doctor, and reach out for help in emergencies. The financial burden of keeping the Internet has risen for many without the ACP.

What should households do now?

Former ACP recipients should contact their internet providers to check for available low-cost plans or alternative assistance programs. When reaching out, it is helpful to have account details ready and be prepared to discuss internet usage needs, such as: 

• Whether anyone in the household works remotely.
• If students rely on the internet for schoolwork.
• The number of devices connected to the service. 

Households can also review broadband labels, which provide clear information about internet service costs and performance. 

Who continues to receive internet service? 

Some ACP households may still have internet access if they: 

• Previously agreed to continue service with their provider.
• Paid for internet service before receiving the ACP discount.
• Contributed to a portion of their bill, even with the ACP discount. 

However, those who did not opt in or never paid for service before ACP may have had their connection discontinued. If uncertain about their status, households should contact their provider to discuss options. 

Are there other assistance programs?

Households that qualified for ACP may be eligible for the Lifeline program, which provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet services ($34.25 for those on qualifying Tribal lands).

However, not all ACP program phone companies offer Lifeline.  

What to ask your internet provider

When speaking with their provider, households should ask main questions to determine their options, such as: 

• How much will my bill be now that the ACP discount has ended? 
• Did I previously opt in to continue my service?
• What low-cost plans are available for my household?
• Will my internet speed or quality change if I switch to a lower-cost plan?
• Do you offer programs based on income, and do ACP recipients automatically qualify?

2. Lifeline: Free & Low-Cost Phone Program After ACP Ended 

Although the ACP program has ended, you still do not have to go without essential phone and internet service. Lifeline is another program that can get you connected. This long-running federal program makes phone and internet service more affordable for eligible low-income households.

2.1. Lifeline Bring Your Own Phone 

Lifeline is a federal assistance program that provides low-income households with a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service. If you live on Tribal lands, that discount is $34.25 per month.  

You can use your own phone to enjoy the benefits of Lifeline through the Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program. This means you don’t need to switch to a new device, you can keep your current phone while still receiving Lifeline assistance. 

Besides, if you’re looking to upgrade or don’t have a compatible device, some Lifeline providers offer a free phone when you sign up. This is a great way to save money while staying connected to family, work, and essential services.

>> Read more: Bring Your Own Phone Lifeline: What To Know About BYOD Service

2.2. Best Carriers for Lifeline Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) 

Bringing your own phone to a Lifeline provider makes sense. Yet, not all carriers make the BYOP process easy to navigate, and not every phone is compatible with every network.  

The Lifeline program has many providers involved in it, but not all of them let you use your own phone. The very best allow you to do it hassle-free, along with great network coverage, reliable service, and extras such as free SIM kits or eSIM support. 

Some of the most well-known Lifeline providers with BYOP options include AirTalk Wireless, Assurance Wireless, and SafeLink Wireless. 

Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) process on AirTalk Wireless:

Step 1: Check if Your Phone Is Unlocked 

For iPhone: 

• Navigate to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock 
• If it shows “No SIM restrictions”, your phone is unlocked. 

For Android: 

• Navigate to Settings > Connections > Mobile Network > Network Operators 
• Turn off “Select automatically” 

If you see multiple networks, your phone is probably unlocked. If you see only one, it’s locked to that carrier, and you may need to contact them to unlock it before using it with a Lifeline provider. 

Step 2: Find Your IMEI Number 

Your IMEI number tells you whether your phone is compatible with a new network. To find it, dial *#06# on your phone or check the settings: 

• Android: Settings > About Device > Status 
• iPhone: Settings > General > About 

Step 3: Check Network Compatibility 

Use the “Check Compatibility“ tool. Enter the IMEI number, and you’ll find out if your device will work on the AirTalk Wireless network. 

Step 4: Insert Your SIM Card 

Once you’ve confirmed that your device is compatible with AirTalk Wireless and supports its Bring Your Own Device services, simply insert your new SIM card and start using the plan provided by AirTalk Wireless.

It’s important to guarantee that the Lifeline provider you choose truly supports BYOP with an easily accessible activation process.

2.3. How to Apply for the Lifeline Program

Applying for the Lifeline program is a great way to get free or discounted phone service, but first, you need to check if you qualify. Lifeline is available to low-income households based on income or participation in government assistance programs.  

Who qualifies for Lifeline? 

There are two main ways to qualify: income-based eligibility and program-based eligibility. 

Income-based Eligibility

If your household’s gross income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for Lifeline. The specific income limits vary by state, so check the current guidelines for your area. 

Program-based Eligibility

You can also qualify if you or someone in your household participates in one of the following programs: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
• Medicaid 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) 
• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit 

For Tribal land residents, additional qualifying programs include: 

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance 
• Tribally-Administered TANF 
• Tribal Head Start (income-eligible households) 
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) 

Step-by-step guide to apply for Lifeline on AirTalk Wireless

With no ACP, how to get free government phone or tablet? Follow these steps and you’ll get the best perks:

Step 1: Visit AirTalk Wireless 

Go to the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your zip code. Then, click “Apply Now” to start the process.

Step 2: Choose a BYOD Plan 

Choose the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program to use your existing phone while enjoying Lifeline benefits. 

Besides, AirTalk Wireless offers free government phones with a service plan.  

Step 3: Upload Required Documents 

Submit the eligibility documents. Make sure they are clear, valid, and up to date to avoid delays. 

Step 5: Submit Your Application & Wait for Approval 

Once you’ve completed the steps, submit your application and wait for approval. If everything checks out, you can start enjoying your Lifeline benefits.

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.

Conclusion  

At last, face the end of the ACP program confidently, knowing you still have ways to stay connected. The loss of benefits through ACP could be agonizing, but by exploring alternative plans and bringing your own phone to a new provider, you can continue enjoying affordable service. Use this moment as an opportunity to find a plan that works best for you.