Spectrum Mobile is an MVNO founded on June 3, 2018, by Charter Communications. However, this provider offers wireless service using their Wi-Fi network for extended network coverage, and for mobile service, it uses Verizon Wireless’ network. Interestingly, Spectrum Mobile provides customers with affordable plans through the Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program. Plus, a decent selection of cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and accessories. You can also bring your own device and enjoy nationwide coverage.
Moreover, you might wonder what Affordable Connectivity Program is all about. This program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which helped qualifying households with monthly plans for internet service during the last occurred pandemic. You may qualify for Spectrum mobile EBB if you’re a Spectrum Internet customer who meets one of the eligibility criteria on income levels or government-sponsored program participation.
On the other hand, the Affordable Connectivity Program is not automatic. You need to apply through the FCC National Verifier and Spectrum to be eligible and get this program benefit. You get a credit up to $30 monthly for your broadband services or up to $75 in Tribal lands if you qualify. Notably, the Affordable Connectivity Program is restricted to one device discount and one monthly service credit per household.
About Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program
Generally, the Affordable Connectivity Program is led by FCC and select wireless providers to ensure that households can afford the broadband needs for work, healthcare, school, and more. However, the benefit offers a discount of up to $30 monthly toward internet service for qualified households and $75 monthly for individuals on qualifying Tribal lands.
Most importantly, the eligible households can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet from participating wireless providers if they give more than $10 and less than $50 toward the buying price.
Spectrum is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Idaho, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and West Virginia.
Application For Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program
i) Current Customers
If you are a current Spectrum customer who has already enrolled for eligibility via the National Verifier, you may complete the online application form to apply for this program. You’ll get verification of your status about this program by email.
ii) New Customers
If you’re planning to switch to Spectrum to get spectrum phone deals, you can check if you’re eligible for this program by visiting our site today. You’ll require to apply through the National Verifier as well.
Qualification For Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program
A household member qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program if a member of the household attains at least one of the criteria below.
1) Based On Your Income
You can receive ACP benefits if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Level. The guideline depends on your household size and state. However, you must show proof of income through producing a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs when applying for ACP.
2) Federal Assistance Programs
You can receive ACP benefits if you (or a member in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for (WIC) Women, Infants, and Children
- Medicaid
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch/School Breakfast Program participation, especially at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools during 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year.
- Acquired a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
You may have to prove eligibility using a letter, card, or official document to confirm that you participate in any of these programs when applying for the ACP.
3) Tribal Assistance Programs
If you reside on qualifying Tribal lands, you can receive ACP benefits if your household income equals or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Levels or if you (or a member in your household) participate in:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (only households attaining the income qualifying standard)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or (Tribal TANF)
When applying for ACP, you may have to submit proof of participation, like an official document or benefits letter.
4) If You Already Receive a Lifeline Benefit
Lifeline is a program directed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Thus, If you are currently receiving Spectrum low-income internet, you are automatically eligible for the ACP, and you can also get both benefits simultaneously. You can apply for your ACP and Lifeline benefits to the same or separate internet service providers. You can talk with your preferred carrier to learn how to start getting ACP discounts.
5) Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent
Any household member can make your household qualify if they participate in one of the listed programs above. For instance, if your child or dependent benefits from the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or gets enrolled in a USDA Community Eligibility Provision school, your household qualifies for the ACP benefit.
Final Verdict
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a successor of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program administered by the Federal Communications Commission. However, Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program allows low-income families to apply for their subsidy on broadband services. Suppose you qualify based on the criteria explained in this guideline.
In that case, you can get a discount on internet services, plus one-time discount support towards purchasing a laptop, desktop, or computer. Interestingly, there is no fee required to apply for the program.
