TABLE OF CONTENTS


Program Overview

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

  • The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides financial support to cover monthly broadband bills for qualifying households. The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program was available from 5/12/21 to 12/30/21 before transitioning to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).


Who is eligible for the ACP? 


When does the ACP Program end?

  • The EBB was temporary, and was replaced by the ACP on 12/31/21. Like the EBB, the ACP was temporarily funded by Congress with $14.2 billion so the program will end should it run out of funds and Congress doesn’t apportion more. The FCC has announced that the ACP is projected to run out of funding in April 2024. No new enrollments will be accepted after 2/7/24. Final ACP computer orders must be placed by 4/26/24 and ACP internet renewal orders placed and approved by 4/30/24.

 

How does the ACP program work?

  • PCs for People has been approved as a participating provider for both internet and hardware benefits through the ACP using our alternative verification process (or AVP). In other words, customers who meet our existing eligibility requirements will be eligible to have their $15 monthly internet cost covered by the program. This will continue throughout the program’s funded period, though each customer will have to visit the online ACP portal to redeem the benefit every month.
  • The program covers up to $30 per month for internet service (or $75 per month for those living on qualifying Tribal lands) and new purchases of hotspots with service time.
    • For new subscribers, the benefit will be applied to the cost of the first equipment purchase and then it will cover monthly renewals for internet service after the first month. 
    • For current subscribers, the benefit will cover monthly renewals for internet service for the duration of the program. 
  • Due to the way the program is funded and administered, only renewals of one month of internet service will be covered with the benefit applied. This means that multi-month packages will not be eligible. 
  • When renewing their internet subscription or once they have an active ACP internet subscription, customers will also be eligible for a program benefit of up to $100 to be applied to either a desktop or laptop package online. Note that customers are required to have a hotspot/modem plus an active ACP internet subscription with PCs for People in order to use the ACP computer benefit with us. 

Monthly Internet Benefit

Can I use the benefit to cover a multi-month internet package?

  • Due to the way the program is funded and administered, only renewals of one month of internet service will be covered with the benefit applied. This means that multi-month packages will not be eligible.

 

What if I already pre-paid for multiple months? Can I get the benefit?

  • The program does not permit the benefit to be applied to past purchases or multi-month packages. If the program is still active when it comes time to renew your service, you can start renewing each month to receive the benefit. PCs for People’s existing policies apply for canceling multi-month service plans. 

One-Time Computer Benefit

How does the $100 ACP computer benefit work?

  • We will be offering desktop, laptop, and Chromebook packages online and in our retail stores (while supplies last). Each ACP package will meet the minimum technical specification requirements as approved by the FCC for the Program. 
    • After the $100 benefit is applied, the copayment owed by the Client will be $25 or $49.99 depending on the processor, RAM, and hard drive.
    • PCs will come with a Windows 10 operating system, LibreOffice Productivity Suite, and an additional standard software package. Additionally, all ACP packages are equipped to meet the needs of a customer working remotely or attending school online (full video and sound capability, including microphone and webcam, either built-in or included in the accessory package).
    • Chromebooks are ideal for surfing the internet using the built-in Chrome browser. 


Can I sign up for ACP internet first and then complete my ACP computer order later?

  • Yes! Once you have an active ACP internet subscription with PCs for People, you can place an ACP computer order. Please note that when you are a brand new internet subscriber, you can order the ACP hotspot and ACP computer together. Alternatively, if you order the ACO hotspot on its own first, there is a window of 3-5 days before your internet service starts while the hotspot is being shipped. If you try to place an ACP computer order before your service starts, you will be blocked and have to wait until the service is activated.


If I am enrolled with another internet service provider for monthly internet, can I get an ACP-discounted computer from PCs for People?

  • No, customers who are ACP-approved for the internet benefit at other internet service providers cannot use the computer benefit separately at PCs for People. The Program restricts that we provide the ACP computer benefit to customers who subscribe to our internet service only. 


Can I sign up for ACP internet through PCs for People in order to get a discounted ACP computer and then return the hotspot for a refund?

  • No, the ACP Program requires that each customer has a hotspot plus an active ACP internet subscription in order to also use the $100 ACP computer benefit. The ACP hotspot cannot be returned for a refund while the ACP computer is kept.


Can I upgrade the ACP package to add accessories or increase the amount of RAM?

  • No, PCs for People is approved by the FCC for certain packages and cannot alter them at this time. We can also not place the initial order and then amend it later with an additional purchase for add ons or changes.

Selecting an ACP Provider

Can I sign up for the ACP for the internet in addition to the Lifeline phone benefit I currently have?

  • Yes! It can be confusing as some Lifeline phone providers are also enrolling their customers for ACP (and upgrading their plans to unlimited data, for example). We have confirmed that people can use both ACP internet and Lifeline phone benefits. 
  • If you are coming up as a duplicate when enrolling with PCs for People for the ACP, it means you are already enrolled for the ACP benefit at another provider. Please reach out to us directly to request a 'transfer of benefits' to make PCs for People your provider. You will need to acknowledge you want to be transferred, that you will lose any ACP benefits from a previous provider, and provide your date of birth.


Can I transfer my ACP internet service from another ISP to PCs for People so that I can also use the ACP computer benefit?

  • In short, yes. Please reach out to us directly to request a 'transfer of benefits' to make PCs for People your provider. You will need to acknowledge you want to be transferred, that you will lose any ACP benefits from a previous provider, and provide your date of birth.


Will I need to return my ACP computer when the program is over?

  • No! You do need to keep your ACP hotspot and first 30 days of ACP internet. But once you've done that, you can choose to continue to renew your internet or let your service lapse if you want and still keep the computer.


How do I get in touch with USAC for the ACP?