Communicating During Emergencies
Power outages and communications disruptions resulting from severe weather hinders how we stay in touch during emergencies. The FCC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer emergency communications tips. FCC video and downloadable public service announcements are also available. Click to learn more.
Lifeline is an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for eligible consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers.
After Storms, Watch Out for Scams
Natural disasters and severe weather can create opportunities for fraud in their wake. Find out how to avoid post-disaster insurance scams and disaster relief charity scams. If you think you're the victim of a scam or scam attempt, file a complaint with the FCC at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov; or call: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322); ASL: 1-844-432-2275.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
"988" is the new three-digit, nationwide phone number you can call or text to connect directly with mental health professionals at a national network of crisis centers. Click to learn more
Broadband Consumer Labels
Broadband Labels (Internet de Banda Ancha Etiquetas - en español) are designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet services. The labels are modeled after the FDA nutrition labels and are intended to help consumers comparison shop for the internet service plan that will best meet their needs and budget.
Consumers should look for broadband labels at any point of sale, including online and in stores.
Helpful Resources
- A glossary (glosario en español) of terms displayed on the labels
- Sample home internet label [PDF] | Sample mobile broadband label [PDF]
The ACP Has Ended for Now
Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program, has ended for now. Effective June 1, 2024, households will no longer receive an ACP discount. For updates about the end of ACP, refer to fcc.gov/ACP and AffordableConnectivity.gov.
- Fact Sheet: ACP Has Ended for Now [PDF] | Hoja informativa: el ACP ha terminado por ahora [PDF]
- Frequently Asked Questions and Answers | Preguntas frecuentes: el ACP ha terminado por ahora [PDF]
- ACP & Lifeline FAQs [PDF] | ACP y Lifeline: Preguntas frecuentes [PDF]
If you are having issues with your provider involving the ACP, you can file an informal consumer complaint with us. If your issue is a billing and service issue, we will serve your complaint on your provider. Your provider has 30 days to send you a response to your complaint.
You can also submit an informal complaint over the phone by calling 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322)
Para presentar una queja en español, llamar al: 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322)
Consumer Guides
What is caller ID spoofing and how does it work? Get helpful tips about what you can do if you think you're being spoofed:
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau
The Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau develops and implements the FCC's consumer policies and serves as the agency's connection to the American consumer.