Affordable Connectivity
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ACP stands for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
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ACP is a government initiative aimed at helping low-income households access affordable broadband internet service
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ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month on home internet service, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet
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Eligibility requirements include participation in certain assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid, or having an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines



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The Lifeline program is often referred to as "Obama phones" though it substantially predates the Obama administration
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Lifeline provides a discount on phone service (landline or wireless) for eligible low-income individuals
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Lifeline was established to ensure safety, communication, and access to emergency services
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The program was expanded during the Obama administration to include broadband internet access
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Lifeline typically offers a discount of around $9.25 per month on phone or internet service
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Some providers participating in the program offer discounts on devices such as smartphones to eligible subscribers
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There may be limitations on the number of devices a subscriber can receive through the Lifeline program
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The income threshold for the Lifeline program is set at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, individuals can also qualify if they participate in certain federal assistance programs
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1985: The Lifeline program was established under President Reagan to provide discounted phone service to low-income households.
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1996: The Telecommunications Act of 1996 expanded the Lifeline program to include discounted phone service for qualifying low-income consumers. It also established the Universal Service Fund (USF), which helps fund the Lifeline program.
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2005: The Federal Communications Commission updated the Lifeline program to include discounts on prepaid wireless service.
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2012: The Lifeline program was expanded under President Obama to include broadband internet access.
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2016: The FCC implemented reforms to modernize the Lifeline program, including measures to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, and to improve program efficiency and effectiveness.
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2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC established the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, a temporary program to help low-income households afford internet service. The EBB provided a discount of up to $50 per month on internet service for eligible households.
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2021: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law, which included provisions to transition the EBB program into the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). But funding was only set to last through 2024.



-
The Lifeline program is often referred to as "Obama phones" though it substantially predates the Obama administration
-
Lifeline provides a discount on phone service (landline or wireless) for eligible low-income individuals
-
Lifeline was established to ensure safety, communication, and access to emergency services
-
The program was expanded during the Obama administration to include broadband internet access
-
Lifeline typically offers a discount of around $9.25 per month on phone or internet service
-
Some providers participating in the program offer discounts on devices such as smartphones to eligible subscribers
-
There may be limitations on the number of devices a subscriber can receive through the Lifeline program
-
The income threshold for the Lifeline program is set at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, individuals can also qualify if they participate in certain federal assistance programs