On March 4, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice stating that April 2024 would be the last fully funded month for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Requirements and guidance for the ACP Wind-Down are available in the Order released on January 11, 2024. Additional information about the ACP Wind-Down can be found on the FCC website https://www.fcc.gov/acp. Find answers to commonly asked questions about the ACP below.
1. What is the current status of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the ACP is April 2024. For more information, please visit the FCC website.
2. How are internet service providers (ISPs) alerting consumers about the end of ACP funding?
Internet service providers (ISPs) are required to notify Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) customers about the dissolution of ACP funding three times in writing:
- Notice 1: January 25, 2024: will include information on the possibility of ACP’s end and the potential impact on the household’s future bills.
- Notice 2: March 13, 2024: the FCC announced the last fully funded month of ACP
- Notice 3: Issued during the customer’s last bill or last billing cycle with ACP benefit
3. How do the ISPs ensure that beneficiaries have all the information about the wind-down of ACP and that they will soon be required to pay for the service?
By Tuesday, March 19, 2024, ISPs must send their ACP subscribers a written notice that advises that the program is ending and states the impact on the households’ broadband service and bills. While the FCC does not prescribe a specific format or wording for these consumer notices, the March notices to consumers must include:
- the date of the last bill on which the full ACP benefit will be applied,
- the amount that the household will be billed for the service once the full ACP benefit is no longer available or that the household will be subject to the ISP's undiscounted rates and general terms and conditions after the end of the ACP, and
- a reminder that ACP subscribers have a right to change their service or opt out of continuing their service at the end of the ACP.
The FCC also requires ISPs to notify ACP customers about any partial benefit that is applied for service provided for May 2024. ISPs that intend to pass through a partial benefit to ACP households for May 2024 to households who have opted in to continue broadband service after the full ACP benefit is no longer applied must provide written notice to those households that the benefit amount applied to the May bill may be less than the full ACP benefit the household has been receiving. Such written notices must also state that the household will be subject to the provider’s fully undiscounted rates and general terms and conditions after the last bill that any partial benefit is applied.
The FCC strongly encourages ISPs to inform ACP subscribers about the ISP's lower-cost offerings and low-income programs. It is recommended that consumers contact their internet service provider (ISP) to inquire about alternate low-cost internet plans and rates.
For more information, call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575 or email ACPSupport@usac.org.
4. How can people afford their services after ACP funds run out?
It is recommended that consumers contact their internet service provider (ISP) to inquire about alternate low-cost internet plans and rates.
5. After the ACP ends, will Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefits (MEBB) continue?
As of February 29, 2024, the MEBB program has closed due to a lack of additional funding to sustain continued claims from participating Internet Service Providers. Internet service providers (ISPs) enrolled in the MEBB Program were informed to send notice of the program’s end to their respective participating consumers prior to this date.
As of February 7, 2024, enrollments in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program have frozen. The Federal Communications Commission designated April 2024 as the last month consumers will receive a full $30 benefit. Any remaining funds after April may be distributed in May on a reduced basis. ACPand MEBB subscribers should reach out directly to their internet service provider (ISP) for more information.
6. Is there any plan to help people reduce the financial impact for consumers who have been receiving ACP funding?
Providers can mitigate additional financial burdens on consumers after the end of the ACP by offering to move consumers to low-cost internet service plans that they already offer or develop a new offering to low-income consumers. These services vary by ISP. Customers are encouraged to contact their internet service provider (ISP) to inquire about alternate low-cost internet plans and rates.
7. What resources are available for finding affordable internet service provider options after the ACP ends?
People who were receiving ACP benefits are encouraged to contact their internet service provider (ISP) to inquire about alternate low-cost internet plans and rates. Listed below are alternative resources to find available ISP options near you. Please note that these resources are not maintained by UME Marylanders Online.
- The ACP Support Center serves consumers and those supporting consumers. Call (877) 384-2575 or email ACPSupport@usac.org.
- Allconnect compares current internet plans to help individuals make the best decision for their needs and location.
- Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.
Broadband Services Map is an instrument created by Penn State Extension that can recommend the best available internet service in your area according to the FCC by census-level block data.