The ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) is ending. Here’s what you need to know:

The ACP is ending.

Last Date To Apply is

February 7th, 2024.

The FCC will no longer accept applications for the ACP after February 7th, 2024.

It’s important to note that the benefit must be connected to a service provider by this date as well, in order to take effect.

Internet providers will be required to send ACP recipients three written notices: the first will be sent by January 25th, 2024, the second will be sent within 14 days of the last fully funded month being announced, and the third in the last billing cycle in which the household receives their benefit.

Funding Runs Out in April of 2024.

April 2024 is projected to be the last fully funded month of the ACP.

This may change if Congress votes to provide additional funding for the program. Congress has introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill: the Affordable Connectivity Extension Act to keep the program afloat through the remainder of 2024.

The bill was introduced on January 10th, 2024 and we are awaiting further action, but we can’t guarantee that the program will be extended.

Learn more about the bill by clicking this link.

Contact your legislators by clicking this link.

As of now, per the FCC, all ACP households will lose the benefit when funding expires in April.

What Should ACP Households Do With This Information?

You Can Keep Your Existing Internet Plan.

If you want to keep your existing internet plan and provider, you don’t need to do anything.

After the last fully-funded month (expected to be April of 2024), your bill will go up by the amount that was previously covered by your ACP discount, up to $30/month.

Depending on the orginal total amount of your monthly bill, your new cost may vary.

You Can Change Your Internet Plan.

If you want to keep your existing internet provider, but switch or downgrade your plan, you will need to contact your internet provider. Below is the contact information for providers in the Greater New Haven Area:

Depending on your current plan, you may be able to switch to a more affordable option, with some options as low as $9.95 / month. If you qualify for the lifeline benefit of $9.25 / month, this can cover a significant portion of your monthly bill.

You Can Cancel Your Internet Plan.

If you don’t want to stay on your current plan with your current provider, you will need to contact them to cancel your plan before the first billing cycle at your new rate, which should be some time around april 2024. Below is the contact information for providers in the Greater New Haven Area:

The GNHDRC (Greater New Haven Digital Resource Center) will be closing.

The Greater New Haven Digital Resource Center (GNHDRC) was a partnership between CfAL for Digital Inclusion, the City of New Haven Economic Development, and New Haven Public Libraries. The creation of this resource center was backed by federal ACP funding and grants. When the ACP ends, the GNHDRC will also end.

As of February 8th, 2024, the GNHDRC website, social media pages, phone line and email will all be deactivated.

You Can Contact Your Internet Service Provider With Questions.

If you have a question about your internet service or your monthly bill after the ACP ends, you will need to contact your internet service provider. Below is the contact information for providers in the Greater New Haven Area:

CfAL for Digital Inclusion Can Help.

The FCC (federal communications commission) announced on January 11th, 2024 that the ACP will be ending unexpectedly soon.

This is because the ACP is a federally-funded program, and funding for the ACP is expected to run out in April of 2024.

You can view the FCC’s announcement by clicking this link.

For all things related to digital equity and inclusion, including the ACP ending, help getting affordable internet access, and free assistance with computer literacy and access and technology education, contact CfAL for Digital Inclusion.

You Can Apply For Lifeline Benefits.

In the event that ACP funding runs out, you may still qualify for the Lifeline Benefit of $9.25 / month towards your internet bill.

Learn more and see if you qualify at www.lifelinesupport.org.

You can contact CfAL For Digital Inclusion with any questions, or for assistance with the Lifeline application.

Moving Forward, Getting Assistance, And The Future Of The Greater New Haven Digital Resource Center.