On December 31, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is changing the name of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Customers currently enrolled will continue to receive their EBB discount during the 60-day transition period, ending March 1, 2022.
After the transition period, eligible EBB customers will be able to access the new FCC-established discount of up to $75* per month (plus any additional Lifeline discounts). EBB subscribers will receive additional information if they are required to take additional steps to retain their benefit on March 1, 2022. Our updated Terms and Conditions will apply to you beginning on December 31, 2021.
*Eligibility for the ACP will be determined by the National Verifier, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
*Discount amounts vary from up to $30 per month for Non-Tribal and up to $75 for Tribal.
More on Upcoming Program Changes
Why am I receiving a notice about this?
Per the requirements of the EBB and ACP programs, we must notify existing EBB customers 60 days prior to the end of the EBB program.
The establishment of ACP will ensure no interruption of service to customers who remain on ACP eligible programs. For more information on ACP eligibility programs, visit https://acpbenefit.org/.
What does this mean for my monthly service?
Existing EBB customers will receive more information via text message about the ACP terms & conditions and any relevant changes to their plans, benefits or eligibility.
The transition from EBB to ACP will take place on March 1, 2022 for all existing, eligible customers as of December 30, 2021 for new subscribers. Additional opt-in or acknowledgment of terms & conditions may be required before EBB plans can be transitioned to ACP. EBB subscribers will be contacted by USAC if they are required to take additional steps to retain their benefit.
EBB customers may switch their service offering at any time.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Congress recently created the Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, which is a new long-term, $14 billion program. The ACP will replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, effective December 31, 2021 for new subscribers, or on March 1, 2022 for existing EBB subscribers. Eligibility for the ACP will be determined by the National Verifier, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
How is ACP different than EBB?
EBB is a temporary program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides discounts on monthly broadband Internet access service and certain connected devices.
ACP is a new, long-term FCC program that is replacing the EBB program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.
The eligibility programs customers can use to qualify for ACP vary slightly from those allowed by EBB. Current EBB customers that qualified through programs that are not supported by ACP moving forward will be contacted directly by USAC to reverify eligibility.
EBB subscribers who qualified for the EBB through eligibility criteria that are not applicable to the ACP will be required by the FCC to demonstrate their eligibility using the ACP criteria before the end of the transition period.
For more information about ACP eligibility, please visit acpbenefit.org.
