Spectrum’s Affordable Connectivity Program

Are rising prices eating into your budget? While fixing inflation is a much bigger economic problem, the new Affordable Connectivity Program from Spectrum could help you stretch your dollar! Qualifying homes in the provider’s many service markets could end up saving hundreds of dollars on their broadband internet bills. Interested? Read on for more information on the program.

Big Savings with the Affordable Connectivity Program

Residential internet is a must-have service these days. Given how much the world has come to depend on internet services with minimal disruptions, it has become a basic utility on par with power and water supply. Since the pandemic, both learning and working have shifted to remote formats. That means there is an even greater need for internet services than ever before.

But high-speed options may sometimes become far too expensive for homes. Especially during a pandemic with rising prices and increasing economic instability. Therefore, people may have to resort to cutting costs. Of course, the need for reliable internet services does not change. Luckily the Affordable Connectivity Program has arrived to help qualifying homes stay connected without straining their budgets. Here’s everything you need to know:

What is The New Program?

The ACP is an important part of the new broadband infrastructure bill. With the Biden administration allocating over $1.2 trillion to internet infrastructure, the government is determined to extend internet access to over 10 million Americans. The program is an upgrade to replace the 2020 subsidy initiative called the EBB or the Emergency Broadband Benefit. Under this initiative, homes with little or no income will no longer have to worry about expensive internet bills.

What Are the Goals of the Low-Cost Program?

It is important to note that ACP is a temporary program offering subsidized internet access. The program typically aims to help low-income homes gain internet access. Doing so could improve their chances of finding income opportunities. At the same time, it could help students in these homes with disruption-free remote learning. Qualifying homes are eligible for a monthly discount on their internet bills. There is also a higher discount for Tribal lands. The program has many of the country’s largest providers onboard, including Spectrum.

What are The Qualifying Criteria?

Remember, everyone does not qualify for the program by default. The initiative is meant to assist the people who need subsidized internet access the most. Accordingly, homes with lower-income levels and members are eligible to apply. These major qualifiers should offer more clarity:

• Homes with a member is enrolled in the federal Lifeline program.
• Homes with an income of 200% or less of the federal poverty threshold.
• Members that participate in Tribal income assistance programs.
• Households that got a Pell Grant in the current year.
• Homes that are approved for school lunch/breakfast programs.
• Homes enrolled in low-income initiatives like Spectrum internet assist program.

Additionally, the program also includes a one-time-only discount on a computer, laptop, or tablet. This helps ensure that the homes have devices that can access the internet. These devices will be crucial to the success of the program. The discount places them within easier reach of qualifying homes.

Is There Any Way to Expedite Enrollment?

Being enrolled in certain specific programs may enable some homes to get access to subsidized internet much faster. For example, a Lifeline beneficiary can get in touch with their service provider to join the program directly. Or, if a subscriber is already part of a low-income program, they can sign up for the ACP directly. However, make sure your service provider has FCC approval to do so. This makes homes already participating in a low-cost internet program automatically eligible for the new program. Even if they are not part of Lifeline!

What Do I Need to Apply?

Haven’t previously been part of a low-income program? You may have to apply to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program. This can take some careful effort. But you can save yourself a lot of trouble by getting everything you need ready first. If you intend to send your application in by mail, make sure you only attach copies of the documents. But whether you apply online or through conventional mail, you will need:

• Payslips, stubs, or tax returns.
• Benefits statement from Social Security
• Proof of enrollment in a low-income program.
• Identification and other supporting documents.

Got it all? Great! Now you can apply for subsidized internet access. There are three ways to do so. You can choose the conventional mail route, including sending hard copies to the ACP Support Center. You can also choose to apply online with more or less the same documents from the program’s official website. If you’re already in a similar program that your ISP offers, you may not need to apply through the program’s support center or website. Just call Spectrum customer care 1-855-837-6837 (if you are a subscriber) to become part of the program directly. Be sure to keep following up with your internet provider for all the details.