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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.

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For the Gig, we suggest a Wi-Fi router that says it's "Gig-capable, such as a dual band “802.11ac” router. In fact, an 802.11ac router is best for maximum performance at any speed – especially in larger homes with multiple internet devices and users. Avoid any products that say "modem" or "cable modem" as these products will not work with fiber optics technology. Gig2.5 comes with EPB Smart Net Plus Wi-Fi included.

EPB Smart Net Plus Wi-Fi service includes the right router professionally installed, network setup optimized for maximum Wi-Fi performance in every corner of your home, advanced security, an app that helps you control your network, and anytime expert support starting at just $14.99 (plus tax) per month.

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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.

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

  • If federal funding for the ACP runs out and the program ends.
  • 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.

Families with students who participate in the Hamilton County Schools Free & Reduced Meals Program may be eligible to receive discounted high-speed internet service from EPB Fiber Optics. Just call us at 423-648-1372 to learn if you qualify and to arrange for service.

Smart Net Plus will support speeds of up to 2.5 Gigs to the router connected to your Ethernet port. However, your Wi-Fi speed is always a little bit slower than hard-wired speed. While your internet connection is providing top speeds to your home, it’s important to remember that each of your devices has different capabilities. The age and model of your device may limit the speed to a lower number than your home receives. For example, an iPhone 8 can only download at 867 Mbps in perfect conditions, an iPhone 7 at 450 Mbps and an iPhone 6 at 300 Mbps — these speeds cannot increase past these maximums no matter how fast your internet is.

Smart Net Plus recognizes your device type, model and version, where you are using it and how many other devices are being actively used so it can optimize your bandwidth to provide the best performance for each device.

Smart Net Plus delivers the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available on the market today.

Yes! All new and existing residential EPB internet service is eligible for the ACP. However, the ACP stopped accepting new enrollments as of February 7, 2024.

It depends. Like all technology, wireless routers are continually improved and updated so performance could be based on the age and type of router. We recommend that you check your wireless router with a “speed test” to ensure you are receiving the best performance from your new speed, and upgrade your router if necessary.

For more information, watch this helpful Tech Tip video.

For other questions, get in touch with us

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