Want a Device for No Cost? How the ACP Helps

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Everyone loves the idea of having the latest phone in their pocket. But what if you could get it without spending any of your money? Sounds like a dream, right? Well, thanks to the ACP, this dream is becoming a reality for a lot of people. The ACP is a program that helps make it easier for folks to get phones without the big price tag. So, if you’re wondering how you can get in on this deal and maybe even get a free phone for yourself, keep reading. We’re going to dive deep into how this program works and who can benefit from it.

So What is the ACP?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an important effort to help people with limited incomes get online more easily. Today, being connected to the internet is key for things like school, work, and healthcare, and the ACP understands how vital this is. This program helps by giving discounts on internet services to those who need it most. Additionally, the ACP knows that having the right devices, like computers or tablets, is important too. That’s why they also help with the costs of certain devices for those who qualify.

What Help Does ACP Give?

The ACP is like a helping hand from the government for families who find it hard to pay for the internet. Here’s how it helps:

  • Money Off Your Internet Bill: If you’re part of the ACP, you can get up to $30 off your internet bill every month. And if you live in certain special areas called Tribal lands, you can get even more off, up to $75 each month!
  • Discount on Computers or Tablets: If you need a new computer or tablet, the ACP can help you save up to $100 when you buy one from certain sellers.

Keep in mind, each family can only get one monthly discount and one computer or tablet discount.

Do You Qualify for ACP?

A household is eligible for ACP if even just one person living there fits any of the following criteria:

  • Provider’s Low-Income Program: If someone in your home qualifies or is already a part of a broadband provider’s low-income program that partners with the ACP.
  • Tribal Programs: Being a participant in specific Tribal programs like the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations makes your household eligible.
  • School Meal Programs: If someone in the house benefits from free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast you qualify.
  • Federal Pell Grant: Anyone in the household receiving a Federal Pell Grant in the current year? That’s another ticket to qualification.
  • Income Check: If your household earns 200% or below the federal poverty guidelines, you’re eligible.
  • Assistance Programs: If someone in your home is a part of assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline, you can join the ACP.

Steps to Enroll in ACP:

Enrolling in ACP is a two-part process:

  1. Submit an Application: Head over to Affordable Connectivity’s official website to fill out an application. If you prefer doing things the old-fashioned way, you can also print out a mail-in application from the same site.
  2. Choose a Plan with a Provider: Once your application is approved, reach out to a participating provider you like. Discuss their plans, select the one that fits you, and get that ACP discount applied to your bill.

Pairing ACP with Carriers

So now you’ve heard about the ACP and the benefits it offers. But did you know you can pair it with specific carriers to get even more benefits like a free phone! Let’s look at an example of carriers partnered with ACP.

What’s TruConnect?

TruConnect is one of the many carriers out there. They’re more popularly known for their affordable plans and partnership with select programs like ACP and Lifeline. Let’s dive deeper into the plans they offer:

1.ACP Plan:

This plan is designed to give a bit more, leveraging the benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program:

  • 8 GB of High-Speed Data: Stream, browse, and stay online with an ample data allowance.
  • Free Unlimited Talk and Text: Connection without limitations.
  • BYOD with Free SIM Card: Keep your device and just switch to TruConnect with a free SIM.
  • Special Tablet Offer: Fancy a tablet? Get one for just $10.01.
  • Unlimited International Calling: Connect globally without added costs for certain countries.
  • 2 Months of Amazon Prime: Enjoy movies, shopping perks, and more on Amazon for two months, on the house!

2. Lifeline Plan:

Perfect for those who need a basic yet efficient package, the Lifeline Plan offers:

  • Up to 6 GB of high-speed data.
  • Free Unlimited Talk and Text: Stay connected with your loved ones without any barriers.
  • BYOD with Free SIM Card: Got a phone? Just get a free SIM card from TruConnect and hop on their network.
  • Unlimited International Calling: Talk across borders without worrying about the costs for certain countries.

3. Lifeline and ACP Combo:

For those wanting a stack of benefits, combining both Lifeline and ACP offers:

  • Unlimited Data: Browse and stream without ever running out of data.
  • Free Unlimited Talk and Text: Stay in touch, always.
  • Free Smartphone or SIM Card: Whether you need a new phone or just a SIM, TruConnect has you covered.
  • Tablet Offer: Just like in the ACP plan, grab a tablet for only $10.01.
  • Unlimited International Calling: Distance doesn’t matter with unlimited international calls for certain countries.
  • 2-Month Amazon Prime Subscription: Dive into the world of Amazon with a 2-month free subscription.

The Basics of the Lifeline Program:

While the ACP is a great program for affordable internet access, there’s another program that’s also been helping people stay connected, the Lifeline Program. Lifeline is a program created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Its main goal? Help people with their phone and internet bills. If you’re part of the Lifeline program, you could get:

  • A monthly discount on your service bill, up to $9.25.
  • An even bigger discount, up to $34.25, if you live on tribal lands.

How to Qualify:

There are a couple of ways to qualify for the Lifeline program:

  • Income-based: If your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you’re in!
  • Assistance Programs: Being a part of certain federal programs, like SNAP, Medicaid, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, automatically qualifies you.

If you’re thinking about joining Lifeline, the process is simple. You can apply online through the National Verifier system managed by the USAC. Or if you’re not sure about something, you can always call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473 or email them at [email protected].

Bottom Line

Getting a phone without spending too much is no longer just a dream. Now, because of the ACP, a lot of people can make that happen. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or just someone who wants to stay in touch, the ACP offers a way to get good tech without big costs. With cheaper internet and device deals, they aim to  make sure everyone can be online. Plus, with companies like TruConnect helping out, getting the most out of these offers is even easier. So, why wait? Look into these programs, see if you qualify, and try to get your new device as soon as you can.