FreeLine Wireless
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Historical overview, eligibility, and what has changed since ACP ended.
Affordable Connectivity Program Overview
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal broadband affordability program created to help
eligible low-income
households afford internet service and, in some cases, a connected device. ACP was overseen by the Federal
Communications
Commission (FCC) and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the same
organization that
manages the Lifeline program.
Under ACP, qualifying households could receive a monthly discount off the cost of internet service from participating providers, and some providers could offer a one-time discount on an eligible connected device such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
The Affordable Connectivity Program was officially discontinued in June 2024 when federal funding for the program ended. As of the most recent federal guidance, ACP benefits are no longer being issued or renewed, and no new ACP enrollments are being accepted. If Congress or the FCC approves new funding in the future, program status may change, but at this time ACP is closed nationwide.
Information on this page reflects the status of ACP based on current FCC and USAC guidance. Users should always refer to official federal resources for the latest program updates.
Who Was Eligible for ACP
During the time it was active, ACP eligibility was determined in a manner similar to Lifeline, using income thresholds and participation in qualifying assistance programs. The information below describes how eligibility was generally determined while ACP was funded. These criteria are provided for reference only and do not indicate that ACP benefits are currently available.
Income-based eligibility
Households could qualify for ACP if their income was at or below the percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines specified by the program. Income limits depended on household size and were updated periodically by federal authorities.
Program-based eligibility
Many households qualified for ACP because they or someone in their household participated in certain assistance programs. Examples of qualifying programs included:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
These examples describe how ACP eligibility worked while the program was active. They do not represent a promise of current benefits, and ACP enrollments are not available at this time.
Documents Required for ACP Verification
When ACP was active, applicants were asked to provide documentation to confirm eligibility. The exact documents required depended on whether the household qualified based on income or participation in a qualifying program, and whether the necessary information could be matched automatically.
Common documents used for ACP verification
- Proof of identity — for example, a government-issued ID or other accepted identity document.
- Proof of income — such as tax returns, pay stubs, or official benefit statements for income-based eligibility.
- Proof of participation in a qualifying program — for example, an approval letter or benefits card for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, or similar programs.
- Address verification — such as a utility bill, lease, or other accepted document when required.
As with Lifeline, ACP eligibility verification was handled through the official National Verifier system operated by USAC. Providers relied on the National Verifier to confirm eligibility and could not independently override or approve applications.
ACP Providers and Device Availability
ACP benefits were delivered through participating internet and wireless providers that elected to offer ACP-supported plans. Providers determined which plans were eligible, what speeds were available, and whether a connected device discount was offered in their service areas.
Not all ACP providers offered devices. Among those that did, device availability depended on provider policies, state-level rules, and inventory at the time of enrollment. In many cases, the device discount was applied once per household and required a small co-payment from the customer.
Today, FreeLine Wireless references:
- Former ACP providers and how they previously participated in the program
- Current Lifeline providers that continue to offer federal communications support
- Nonprofit and state-based assistance programs that may help with connectivity and devices
Because ACP has ended, any references to providers on this site are for informational and historical context. Device and service options now come from active programs such as Lifeline, state initiatives, and nonprofit organizations.
Devices Previously Offered Through ACP
While ACP was active, some participating providers offered discounts on connected devices in addition to monthly service discounts. These device offerings varied significantly by provider, location, and time period, and were always subject to inventory and program rules.
Smartphones
Certain providers offered smartphones to ACP-eligible households. Availability, operating system, and specific phone models differed by provider and were not guaranteed. Some providers focused on basic smartphones, while others supported a wider range of options.
Tablets
Tablets were commonly offered as part of ACP-connected device discounts. In many cases, households were required to pay a modest co-pay while the ACP discount covered the remainder of the device cost. Availability depended on local provider participation and inventory.
Laptops
Laptops were generally more limited under ACP and were often available only through specific initiatives, partnerships, or nonprofit organizations. These programs typically focused on digital inclusion and may have combined ACP benefits with separate device assistance efforts.
All descriptions above reflect how ACP operated historically and are not a guarantee of current device availability. With ACP now ended, device options are typically offered through other programs or provider-specific offers.
Which Providers Offered Which Devices
During the active period of ACP, providers made different choices about how to participate and what to offer. At a high level:
- Some ACP providers focused primarily on internet service and did not offer discounted devices.
- Some providers offered tablets or phones as part of their ACP participation, often with a required co-pay.
- Programs that included laptops were typically limited, pilot-oriented, or operated in partnership with nonprofits and local initiatives.
Because ACP has ended, device availability under ACP is no longer current. Any provider and device references should be understood as historical examples, not active offers.
Find Current Programs, Providers, and State Options
Even though ACP has ended, there are still programs that may help eligible households stay connected. To find up-to-date options that match your location and situation, use the tools on this site to explore active offerings.
- Browse active programs such as Lifeline and state-level assistance initiatives.
- Filter by state to see which programs and providers currently operate in your area.
- Review providers and organizations that may offer device or service support outside of ACP.
Browsing by program, provider, and state helps you find accurate, current information based on where you live and how you may qualify. If ACP or a similar replacement program is ever reintroduced, official federal channels will publish updated details.