Established on January 1, the Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. government and internet service providers, or ISPs, to extend a once-temporary plan to help the digital needs of low-income families and those who had lost income during the pandemic, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast in Michigan Ben Miller said.

Programs such as this one allow for MSU students and their families to focus on utilizing the internet for their needs. Low-income families in the East Lansing area now have an opportunity to experience the benefits of having a steady, affordable internet connection.

For those who are eligible, the ACP will pay your internet bill up to $30 per month and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Miller said many ISPs offer high-speed service plans at $30 or fewer, so the program essentially gives free internet to participating households.

“The pandemic brought to the forefront the challenges around digital adoption, with cost being just one of many barriers,” Senior Public Relations Manager at Comcast Rob Ponto said in an email to The State News. “This FCC benefit program eliminates that barrier by offering a $30 credit that helps ensure households can afford the broadband service they need for school, work, healthcare, and other opportunities.”

People can apply by going to ACPBenefit.org and submitting an application. Then, they must contact their participating internet provider to select a plan and have the discount applied. Xfinity customers can do this online, according to Ponto.

The benefits of the ACP extend far beyond the technicalities. Now, East Lansing residents are given equal opportunities to access the internet, regardless of their financial situation.

Households need only meet one criterion to be eligible, and those include meeting eligibility criteria for a participating ISP’s existing low-income program, having an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, participating in assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, etc., or participating in Tribal-specific assistance programs.

“There is currently no end date to the (ACP), so, once you’re enrolled, you can enjoy its benefits for as long as you remain eligible,” Miller said.

Miller clarified ACP is not a direct check you receive but, rather, a credit applied to your internet bill. Therefore, once you’re enrolled in the ACP, it’s important to notify your ISP so the discount can be applied each month.  

“You can also take that time with your ISP to review your internet plan and potentially get more speed for less than you currently pay,” Miller said.