How To Apply For Spectrum Internet's ACP Program

Spectrum provides broadband internet service to more than 32 million customers in the US as part of Charter Communications' Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). With Spectrum, you can take advantage of the fastest, most reliable Internet available. 

Whether you're a family looking to cut costs on your next internet bill, a student in need of reliable online access for your studies, or simply a concerned citizen keeping abreast of how corporate entities like Spectrum are aligning with federal efforts to promote digital equity, this guide is the first step on a journey towards a more connected and inclusive future.

What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as of 2021, approximately 14.5 million Americans lack access to high-speed broadband at threshold speeds, underscoring a stark digital divide.^[1] To address this, the FCC has enacted the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a robust initiative aimed at providing eligible households with the connectivity they need.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program designed to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. It was created to replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program and aims to ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

To help qualifying households pay for internet service, the Affordable Connectivity Program offers monthly credits. Your broadband services may be credited with up to $30 per month if you qualify or $75 in cases of tribal lands. Households are limited to one credit per month under the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Spectrum Internet is available to you at no cost via ACP if you qualify for the stimulus Internet credit. Your internet service may be canceled if you wish, or you may switch to another Internet service provider without incurring early termination fees.

The USAC administers ACP on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Find out below how Spectrum can save you money on their different internet packages.

How The Affordable Connectivity Program Spectrum Discount Works

The following are the ways the ACP can help reduce your monthly bill on different Spectrum internet packages.

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Spectrum Internet 100

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), offered by Spectrum Internet, consists of a specific plan at a monthly cost of $29.99, which offers 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds to eligible households. Streaming movies, video conferencing, and watching TV shows will be fast enough for a family of four with 100 Mbps download speeds.

You can switch to this $29.99 per month offering if you are enrolled in Spectrum Internet's Affordable Connectivity Program and receive a $30 credit towards your monthly bill automatically, which means you get service free. When you enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program, your credit will appear on your next bill statement after being applied to your current bill cycle.

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides the following:

• Free modems
• Wi-Fi in your home
• Self-installation

Furthermore, you will be responsible for any charges over $30 per month if you take advantage of the promotion price for 2 years.

These benefits are pivotal, as the Pew Research Center reports that nearly a quarter of low-income Americans have had to cancel or cut back on their internet service due to financial constraints.^[2]

Other Spectrum Internet Plans 

All Spectrum Internet plans are still eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). If your household pays $49.99 per month on a higher-speed plan and you qualify for the $30 monthly credit, your bill payment can be reduced to $19.99 per month. In addition, Spectrum Internet can be used to credit the cost of processing the credit, as well as bundled services, including broadband, telephone, and texting, as well as equipment rental fees.

Connected Devices

As part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), connected devices, such as laptops, tablets, or desktop computers, can also be discounted up to $100 for a one-time fee of $10 to $50. The discounted devices can only be purchased by a household once. Smartphones are not eligible for the discount, nor are devices that are Wi-Fi enabled and can connect to video conferencing systems.

Eligibility Criteria For Spectrum ACP

At least one member of the household must meet one of the following criteria in order to qualify for this program:

• Meets the requirements for the Lifeline Program;
• The household income does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines;
• Eligible for Spectrum's low-income program;
• A household member must be eligible for one of the following assistance programs:
  • Medicaid
  • SNAP
  • SSI
  • Section 8 FPHA support
  • Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Benefit
  • Free/reduced-price school lunch/breakfast program
  • Current Federal Pell Grant recipients

Step-By-Step Application Process For Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program

The Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program is really easy to apply for. There are only three steps to follow.

1. Ensure your household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
2. Save $30 a month by signing up for high-speed Internet by calling 1-833-660-0447. Currently enrolled Spectrum Internet customers can save up to $30/month by calling 1-833-660-0447. Spectrum's online application form makes it easy for current Spectrum customers to apply for this program if they have already applied for eligibility through the National Verifier.
3. You will receive an email verifying your participation in this program. Visit their website today to see if you are eligible for this program if you intend to switch to Spectrum. The National Verifier application must also be submitted.
4. With Spectrum home WiFi and high-speed Internet, you can surf and stream without any interruptions. You will receive a temporary credit on your account every month.

There are over 20 million Affordable Connectivity Program enrollees across the US.^[3] Additionally, experts estimate that 48 million households qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which reaches nearly 40% of the country's households. Consequently, the Affordable Connectivity Program is being utilized by only 26% of American households that qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program interested applicants wonder about:

Conclusion

If you are interested in learning more about different grants and programs that can help you with your living situation, read our article on financial assistance to pay off medical bills. Check out the rest of Gov Relations' resources today!

Explore more ways to secure affordable connectivity by delving into our new article, how to apply for the Suddenlink ACP! As you navigate through the application process for Spectrum Internet’s ACP Program, our latest guide on Suddenlink’s application process will empower you with additional options, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of all the accessible internet programs available to you!