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Writer's pictureConnie

Status Report: The ACP hasn't been extended (YET!)...

With current funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) sunsetting, folks are wondering what's happening and what the next steps are for maintaining access to affordable Internet. At FreeConnect, we consider it our job to help make sense of the government's mixed signals by giving you the low-down on the ACP. 

The ACP hasn't been extended (YET!)... Here's what you need to know about the status of the ACP.
Here's what you need to know about the status of the ACP.

What's the status of the ACP?

Concerned about the status of the ACP? You're not alone. Unfortunately, the program was not part of the spending package that Congress just passed, leaving many to wonder when the extension act will be addressed again, if at all. There have been whispers of a second vote to extend the ACP in mid-April before its expiration date. However, despite widespread support from both sides of the aisle, there are no guarantees that the bill will pass.  


If I Have ACP Service, What Do I Do?

We get this question all the time. If you’ve already applied your ACP discount to your Internet service, your bill will remain at a discounted rate until your provider either decides to charge you full price again, or the ACP funding runs out. Your Internet provider is required to send out an email and a written letter to inform you of any pending increase to your bill.


So, What Does This Mean for My Bill?

We all dread getting a letter in the mail saying our bill is increasing. Unfortunately, this is the reality ACP customers can expect when funding runs dry at the end of April. With the $30 bill credit no longer in effect, participants in the program can expect to see an increase in their Internet bill, with the amount varying by provider. But all is not lost! We've got a plan to help our ACP customers as best we can, which we cover below.


Can I Still Get Affordable Internet?

So here's the good news. At FreeConnect, it’s always been our goal to get you the sweetest Internet deals that our partner providers can offer. Now, we understand that nothing beats free, but we’ve been working to ensure you can stay connected to what matters without breaking the bank. This is why we've teamed up with a few of our partners, and we will be able to connect ACP customers to Internet Service nationwide for as little as $19.99/month. We’re excited to share that these special deals will drop shortly, regardless of the status of the ACP. So keep an eye on our blog or sign up for our newsletter to find out as soon as they're available!

We've teamed up with a few of our partners, and we will be able to connect ACP customers to Internet Service nationwide for as little as $19.99/month.  We’re excited to share that these special deals will drop shortly!


How Can I Help Bring The ACP Back?

Your voice is your most powerful tool right now. We recommend reaching out to your representatives in both the Senate and Congress to tell them how the ACP has impacted your life and why it’s so important that the program remain funded. At FreeConnect, we know your ability to access healthcare, job resources, educational material, and entertainment online is crucial. Still, the people who make the rules in Congress need to hear from you the most. 

Contact Your Representatives!!!

We urge you to call, email, and send letters to your representatives and discuss this issue with friends and family who are open to listening. The greater the awareness, the more pressure we can put on the legislature, and the better our chance of making an impact. Looking for information on why the ACP is a good thing? Check out our Article on the ACP here!


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I'm on SSI and would like to apply for free internet services for home!

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I enrolled in the ACP program two years back October and att as my provider.My bills has been lighter with less pressure and that's because of ACP, the affordable program and my other necessities hasn't become a problem. It helps financially and manageable. Before the ACP application benefits payments for the Internet bill was difficult for me. So you see I'll miss it and I hope within times ahead the affordable program will be back.

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We hope it'll be back, too! We're posting an update very shortly - because a vote to extend the program was just announced for June 12th.

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The address I sent you IS residential, but I can't get your sign in page to accept it!

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Hey there! Shoot us an email hello@freeconnect.us and we'll be able to assist with this :)

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I'm looking to get the $20 a month Internet bill

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What home internet provider charges only $20 for zSikedton, Mo.,? I had my SCP through Spectrum and they still over chargede every month til I cancelled their service I can't seem to find sn honest unternet provider.


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Tammy
Tammy
Apr 13

I received free internet service for only 2mo. And when I receive an email or text asking if I want to keep it reply yes and it tells me I will continue having it but there's no internet connected to my free tablet I qualified for and still qualify for free internet because I'm on ssi and food stamps so why am I not being connected to your free internet I'm told I have? I've had a bad experience with your program after the great 2mos I did have it. I do everything im required to do except be able to use data with your internet connection to guarantee I will keep receiving your free internet because your free inter…

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Replying to

Hey Tammy! This is because the ACP, the program that allows you to get free service on your tablet, is entering a pause period unless it's funded again by congress. We'd urge you to reach out to your representatives and let them know how much the ACP means to you and how impactful the access to internet service is. Feel free to let us know if you have any more questions and we'd be happy to help :) You can reach us at info@freeconnect.us

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