Mother and son looking at laptop
Affordable Connectivity Program
UPDATE: The Affordable Connectivity Program's funds are running low. Without new funding from Congress, it's expected to run out by April 2024. The ACP stopped taking new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. Those already enrolled will keep receiving benefits until funds are depleted.

What is ACP?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC program that helps low-income households pay for broadband service. The ACP offers qualifying customers $75 per month off their GCI plan. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. An economic household is allowed a single ACP benefit and one device discount to be applied to their service.

 

Who is eligible?

Current GCI Lifeline customers are eligible for ACP and can opt in. Other customers can apply using a qualifying program or by income.

Examples of qualifying criteria include, but are not limited to:

  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC or the Lifeline program;
  • Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines;
  • Participates in Tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers' existing low-income program

All of Alaska is considered Tribal Lands and will be eligible for the tribal subsidy rate available based on their plan and location.

In 2021, Congress introduced the ACP to offer eligible households like yours a discount on their data service. This program was funded with $14.2 billion to help make internet access more affordable for qualifying households across the country. However, the funds provided for the ACP are getting close to running out. If the program doesn’t receive new funding from Congress, it’s currently projected that the existing funds will be used up by the end of April 2024. In anticipation of that outcome, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which oversees the ACP, has initiated steps to prepare you for the program’s end.
You'll continue to receive the ACP discount while you’re enrolled in the program and funds are still available. If Congress doesn't provide more money to keep the program going past April 2024, it will end, and you won't get the monthly discount on your broadband bill anymore.
The FCC will provide more information about the status of the ACP in the coming weeks. Once we hear from them, we’ll provide additional information so you can make an informed decision about your broadband service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 or visit www.fcc.gov/acp and https://affordableconnectivity.gov/.

Credit does not apply to usage charges, equipment rental or purchase charges, or any other charges. Customers must independently apply and qualify for ACP Service through the FCC before receiving ACP credits from GCI. Additional charges and fees may apply in some locations.

Consumers have the right to make a complaint with the FCC about their ACP-supported service. Consumer complaints may be filed with the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center by calling 1-888-225-5322 or by going to consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.