With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ending, millions of Americans will lose discounts that helped them manage internet costs within their household budgets.
Although a federal solution is still needed, many ISPs offer low-income internet options to assist.
AT&T users can find support through the AT&T Access program, which has offered affordable internet for years and expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you think this program could suit your needs, we’ll explain how it works and how you can apply.
What is the AT&T Access program?
The AT&T Access program offers affordable home internet to eligible households. It is available to those enrolled in government programs like SNAP or NSLP.
Households with income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines also qualify.
Those already in the ACP were automatically eligible for AT&T Access, with their bills fully covered by the $30 ACP subsidy, allowing them free AT&T internet.
Although AT&T will keep the Access program, the government subsidy will stop in May, so users must pay the $30 monthly fee.
The AT&T Access program offers a 100Mbps fiber connection or a DSL connection ranging from 768kbps to 100Mbps, depending on your area. It provides a modem or gateway and professional installation with no added fees.
Applying for the AT&T Access Program
Your household must meet one of these requirements to qualify for AT&T Access:
- A household member participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- A household member participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
- You live in California, and a household member receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Also, confirm that AT&T provides internet service in your area.
Apply online with a copy of documents proving your eligibility.
Submit a copy of your SNAP card and a government-issued ID with the same name for SNAP.
For NSLP, provide the latest document showing your child’s free or reduced-price lunch enrollment.
For SSI, include your original SSI benefits award letter or a recent benefits verification letter with the recipient’s name.
For those with a household income at 200% or below federal poverty guidelines, submit a recent SSA1099, W-2, or Social Security benefits statement.
You only need one of these documents to qualify for AT&T Access, so choose the easiest option to document.
What Happens When the ACP Ends?
April marks the final month of total funding for ACP, giving participants access to the complete benefit.
In May, participants will only get a partial discount, between $7–$16, on their internet bills instead of $30. After May, benefits will stop unless Congress decides to fund the program again.
When the ACP ends, people on an ACP plan will keep internet service only if they choose to pay the total cost from their provider.
AT&T customers using the Access program can still pay $30 for AT&T Access, but they must agree to this rate. Switching to a paid plan will not happen automatically.
To keep your service active, you need to:
- Confirm you received notices about ACP ending
- Agree to receive internet without the ACP discount
- Pay your total bill for the next month
You may switch providers or cancel your service, but consider exploring other free or low-cost options first.
Low-Income Programs from Other Providers
The ACP worked well because it reached nearly all people—most major internet providers joined and modified their plans to match the subsidy.
After the ACP ended, many ISPs stepped in to cover the need. These programs share similar requirements and benefits but have significant differences.
Options Beyond the ACP
The ACP has been an effective program for expanding internet access in low-income areas, but other options exist.
One straightforward way to move away from the ACP is to join another government program.
Another main government program for internet assistance is Lifeline. While Lifeline works similarly to the ACP, it has stricter requirements and offers a smaller benefit.
Not everyone who qualifies for the ACP will meet Lifeline’s requirements, but if you qualify for the ACP through any of these programs, you may be eligible for Lifeline:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- Tribal Programs for Native Americans
Lifeline also provides benefits based on income, but its limit is 135% of the federal poverty line, compared to 200% for the ACP. To see if you qualify, visit the Lifeline website.
If you are eligible for both the AT&T Access program and Lifeline, you may enroll in both.
Although Lifeline will not fully cover the $30 monthly cost of AT&T Access like the ACP, it will help reduce your monthly expenses.
Other Providers with Low-Income Programs
The ACP succeeded due to its broad availability. Major internet providers participated and adjusted their plans to match the subsidy, ensuring consistent eligibility requirements and application steps, whether someone used Verizon in New Jersey or Frontier in California.
Several ISPs are working to bridge the gap left by ACP’s conclusion. Although many of their requirements and benefits resemble each other, these programs have notable differences.
