By Heather King and Laurel Skurko. Technology is necessary for modern, high quality education, yet 18 million households struggle to access high-speed broadband, with low-income and Hispanic, Black and Native American populations more likely to lack access. The University of California (UC) Office of the President Student Mental Health and Wellbeing and Information Technology Services teams have come together to disseminate information about the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help close this gap.
Please help us spread the word about this important resource by sharing this information with UC staff and student communities, services and programs. Together, our outreach can help the UC community, from students to staff, get access to the high-speed broadband they need.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households with an internet service discount and a one-time device discount in order to support access to broadband essential for education, work and healthcare. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Which internet services providers are available?
Many internet providers, including those offering landline and wireless internet services, are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Find internet service providers offering the benefit in your state or territory: Companies Near Me – Lifeline Support – USAC (universalservice.org)
Who is eligible?
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain programs, such as the Pell Grant, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh, or Medicaid. Learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov), including eligibility guidelines, on the landing page.
Spread the word
If/when you are able to connect with UC community members who do not have sufficient broadband, please let them know about this program.
Related reading
- Executive Summary – Office of Educational Technology – Facts about disproportionate access to broadband
- https://www.getinternet.gov/apply –
- Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov) – Learn more about ACP, eligibility guidelines and the application process
- Companies Near Me – Lifeline Support – USAC (universalservice.org) -To search for participating internet service providers
[Cover photo: Image from Federal Communications Commission Affordable Connectivity Program website]
Authors
Heather King
Project & Policy Analyst, Basic Needs
Graduate, Undergraduate & Equity Affairs
UC Office of the President
Laurel Skurko
Marketing & Communications
UC Tech Community
UC Office of the President