Published March 9, 2022
On January 21, 2022, the FCC adopted final rules for the $14.2 billion Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) providing a long-term replacement to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) COVID response program.
Under ACP, eligible households may apply to receive up to a $30 per month discount toward internet service and up to $75 per month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and broadband providers have given guidance to legacy EBB households whose eligibility category was eliminated on how to re-qualify.
The new rules establish (1) requirements for eligibility, process, certification and information, and other obligations for existing EBB and new providers to participate in the ACP and gain access to USAC’s ACP administrative systems; (2) household eligibility and related verification, certification and subscriber usage requirements; (3) ACP discount-eligible broadband services and devices; (4) provider benefit reimbursement processes (utilizing USAC’s Lifeline Claims System); (5) consumer protections and complaint processes; (6) FCC outreach and inter-agency and provider collaboration efforts to ensure ACP awareness; and (7) program assurance and data tracking requirements. On January 21, 2022 the Commission also issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on a congressionally-authorized ACP outreach partner grant program through April 15, 2022.
For ACP consumer information, visit: fcc.gov/acp.
The January 21, 2022 Report and Order and FNPRM may be found here.