What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program created by Congress as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Among other things, this program can help qualified households pay for connectivity services such as internet plans. The program extended and modified the more temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit.

What services does the Affordable Connectivity Program cover?

The ACP can help qualified households pay for connectivity services such as internet plans. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly benefit per household.

How do I know if I qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

You may qualify for ACP benefits if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch, Lifeline or meets at least one of these criteria.

Is it possible to get free internet service from EPB with the Affordable Connectivity Program?

With the ACP benefit, qualifying households can get EPB’s 300 Mbps internet starting speed for just $27.99 per month or 1,000 Mbps (“The Gig”) for just $37.99 (after the $30 ACP credit is applied). However, families with Hamilton County students may qualify for FREE EPB high-speed internet under the HCS EdConnect program. Any household with full-time Hamilton Country students who receive free or reduced-cost lunch is eligible. Apply for free internet through HCS EdConnect.

What’s the difference between Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Lifeline is a government assistance program which provides eligible low-income subscribers an opportunity to receive the Lifeline benefit on certain voice and broadband internet access services. Like ACP, the Lifeline benefit is nontransferable, only eligible consumers may enroll in the program, and the program is limited to one Lifeline benefit per household.

If you currently receive a Lifeline benefit, you automatically qualify for the ACP, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. Both benefits can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported wireless phone service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Can I receive both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline benefits at the same time?

Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordable Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

If I currently receive Lifeline benefits do I need to apply for Affordable Connectivity Program?

If you are currently enrolled in Lifeline, you generally do not need to apply separately for the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can contact your current Lifeline provider or a different participating Affordable Connectivity Program provider serving your area to choose a service plan. Some participating providers may require that current Lifeline recipients complete an alternative verification process.

What EPB internet plans are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit?

All of EPB’s residential Fi-Speed internet plans are eligible for the ACP benefit.

If I already have EPB internet service, am I eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Yes! All new and existing residential EPB internet service is eligible for the ACP.

If I don’t already have EPB internet service, how can I participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program?

First, subscribe to one our EPB’s internet plans. Then apply for the ACP program. When you receive your ACP approval email from “Lifeline & ACP Support” that includes your National Verifier application ID, forward it to CICWeb@epb.net (along with your EPB account number). An EPB representative will apply your ACP discount to your EPB Fiber Optics account and email you a confirmation.

Can I apply the Affordable Connectivity Program discount towards my bundled services?

The Affordable Connectivity Program can be applied to the cost of a bundle of services that includes internet. If your bundle also includes Fi TV service, you will be responsible for that portion of your bill, as well as any charges that are more than the monthly benefit.

If I upgrade my internet service, does the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit still apply?

Yes, if you upgrade your EPB internet service, your ACP benefit will remain on your account.

If I already have an Affordable Connectivity Program discount on my cell phone can I get it on my EPB internet too?

No. The Affordable Connectivity Program discount of $30 can only be applied to one service.

When will the Affordable Connectivity Program credit appear on my EPB bill?

Your ACP benefit should appear on your EPB Fiber Optics bill within 60 days after the benefit is applied to your EPB Fiber Optics account. If you have questions, text or call us at 423-648-1372 anytime day or night.

Do I receive Affordable Connectivity Program funds directly each month?

No. EPB receives Affordable Connectivity Program funds directly from the government, and applies them to your account balance.

What happens if I move while receiving the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit?

If you move while receiving the ACP benefit, you should contact the National Verifier at 877-384-2575 after you move to verify ACP eligibility at your new address. After the National Verifier has reverified your benefit, you should visit EPB.com or text or call EPB at 423-648-1372 to check service availability at your new address.

How long will the Affordable Connectivity Program last?

As of now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has not set an expiration date for the program. However, if the program ends or eligibility qualifications change, you will be notified.

Can I get the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit if I live in an apartment or condo building?

Yes! The ACP benefit can be applied to any residential internet account that qualifies.

Can my roommate and I each get the Affordable Connectivity Program discount?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount per household, which is defined as any individual or group of individuals who are living together at the same address and share income and expenses.

I have a past due amount. Can I still get the Affordable Connectivity Program discount?

Yes, you can get the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit even if you owe a past-due amount.

Is there anything that would cause me to lose my Affordable Connectivity Program benefit?

You may be de-enrolled from ACP for various reasons, including the following:

• If you no longer meet the eligibility requirements of ACP.
• If you notify another service provider that you wish to transfer your ACP benefit to them from EPB.
• If you request to be de-enrolled from ACP through EPB.

Can I transfer my Affordable Connectivity Program credit to another person or household?

ACP credits are nontransferable. The ACP credit is limited to one per household.ACP@epb.net

How do I apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit?

The easiest way to apply is to go to affordableconnectivity.gov. EPB does not determine eligibility. Once you are approved, forward your National Verifier application ID to EPB Customer Service. EPB representatives will add this discount to your account and email you when completed. If you are already approved for Lifeline, there is no need to re-apply for ACP. You’re automatically eligible. Let us know you already have Lifeline, we’ll verify it and apply your ACP benefit.

Do I need to contact EPB after my Affordable Connectivity Program application is approved?

Yes, if you applied online at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by mail and have been approved, forward your National Verifier application ID to EPB Customer Service. EPB representatives will add this discount to your account and email you when completed. If you are already approved for Lifeline, there is no need to re-apply for ACP. You’re automatically eligible. Let us know you already have Lifeline, we’ll verify it and apply your ACP benefit.

If I submit an Affordable Connectivity Program application by mail, how will I know if I was approved?

If you submit an application to the Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center by mail, you will receive updates by mail regarding your application status (or by email if you provided an email address on your application). For example, USAC will contact you if additional information or documents are needed, and if your application has been approved. You may also visit affordableconnectivity.gov or call 877-384-2575 for application status.

For purposes of applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program, how is “household” defined?

Only one monthly ACP service discount is allowed per household. According to ACP, a “household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. An "economic unit" is defined as "all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household." Examples of a “household” may include a married couple, or a parent/guardian and child, or adults (family or friends) living together.

Why was my Affordable Connectivity Program National Verifier application denied?

EPB doesn’t determine eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Therefore, we won’t know why your application might’ve been denied. For more information about your application, please visit affordableconnectivity.gov or call 877-384-2575.