AT&T is among the giant carriers in the US that have been around for decades, and it’s currently the second leading in wireless internet technology. However, AT&T’s network is almost as extensive as the Verizon network, leading among the big three. AT&T offers excellent mobile services and takes pride in participating in the AT&T affordable connectivity program to assist qualified customers with affordable internet.
Moreover, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that brings discounted broadband service to qualifying households who participated in the AT&T ebb program. On the other hand, ACP offers a benefit of up to $30 per month on your eligible AT&T PREPAID service. Or up to $75 per month off if you live on qualifying Tribal lands. Notably, only one ACP per household qualify for AT&T ACP benefits.
Precisely, the Affordable Connectivity Program was initiated on Dec. 31 by the Federal Communications Commission and replaced the expired Emergency Broadband Benefit. This EBB program temporarily helped households access internet needs during the pandemic.
Besides, people who participated in the Emergency Broadband Benefit by 12/31/21 continue to get their monthly benefits for a 60-day transition period. Information in detail will be available official FCC website soon after the transition period.
The Benefits of AT&T’s Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program allows AT&T qualified customers to lower their internet or wireless bill by $30 per month or $75 per month if they reside on qualifying Tribal lands. AT&T is currently participating in the program, and the Affordable Connectivity Program assists qualified customers to get one of multiple different AT&T Internet and AT&T Wireless services.
Additionally, eligible users can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 for buying a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet from participating providers, if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the device. Luckily, members qualifying for the ACP are also eligible for a monthly discounted plan through AT&T, thus making their internet free immediately after the federal benefit gets applied.
Immediately the government confirms your eligibility, and you already activated service with AT&T Prepaid, you have what it takes to enroll. You need to complete the ACP enrollment form, and you will get a text message after enrollment is complete. The benefits will get applied to your next month’s service.
The Qualifications for the Affordable Connectivity Program
As mentioned earlier, AT&T does not check who is eligible. However, the federal government’s National Verifier conducts the eligibility checks. You can qualify if your household income equals or less than 200% of the federal poverty standards. Alternatively, you can qualify for ACP if you or a member in your household currently participates in any of the following programs:
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for (WIC) Women, Infants, and Children
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as Food Stamps
- National School Lunch Program
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Additionally, if your household member resides on federally recognized Tribal Lands and gets benefits from:
- Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance
- Head Start (for those meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Enrollment in the ACP Through AT&T
1st Step – You must apply for ACP through the federal government’s National Verifier at ACP Benefit to check if you qualify for ACP. However, eligibility gets confirmed by the federal government, not by AT&T. You may receive approval online within a few minutes, although it can take up to several days if an application needs a manual review.
2nd Step – Immediately approved, you can order new AT&T Internet or prepaid wireless service or request the benefit applied to your existing service. Additional details on the application process are available at att.com/acp. Once approved, contact AT&T at 855-220-5211 to enroll in a plan.
AT&T Wireless Lifeline Program benefits
AT&T provides Lifeline discounts on home phone services, wireless services, and internet services. However, Lifeline is a federal program that offers a discount on internet services for eligible customers.
Customers qualifying for AT&T wireless free government phone must be current AT&T internet customers and must get a plan that matches the Lifeline program’s requirements. Besides, being AT&T Lifeline program-eligible may not necessarily offer you a free government phone, but you enjoy other benefits if you qualify for the AT&T Lifeline program.
They include:
- If you qualify for an AT&T Lifeline discount through wireless services, you will get at least a $5.25 discount on your monthly phone bill.
- If you qualify for an AT&T Lifeline discount through home phone services, you will get at least a $5.25 discount on your monthly home phone bill.
- Suppose you qualify for an AT&T Lifeline discount through any of the aforementioned services and reside on federally qualifying tribal lands. In that case, you may get an extra discount of up to $25 per month.
- If you qualify for an AT&T Lifeline discount through internet services, you will get a $9.25 discount toward your monthly internet bill.
Activation of AT&T Wireless Free Phone
If you want to enjoy services on the AT&T network, first, confirm if your cell phone or SIM card is already activated. After getting both your AT&T original or compatible cell phone and SIM card, insert the SIM card and switch on your device.
You can place a test call, send a message, or browse the web without Wi-Fi. And, if it goes through, it means your cell phone and SIM card are already activated, and you can skip the remaining activation process.
However, if you can’t make a call, send a message, or browse the web without using Wi-Fi, you need to activate your cell phone or SIM card online. You can do so through the following steps:
- Launch your browser and proceed to AT&T getstartedbiz.
- Choose ‘Activate your device’ for your AT&T wireless device.
- Submit the required information and click ‘Continue.’
- Follow the online guidelines to finish the activation process.
If you cannot activate your cell phone or SIM card online, you can call AT&T’s customer service support using 1-844-709-1252 or at att.com/support/small business/contact-us) or walk in one of their stores. You can locate your nearest AT&T store.
Bottom line
If you are looking for a reputable ACP provider, you can choose AT&T as your wireless provider. However, the easiest way to apply for AT&T ACP benefits is through acpbenefit.org. AT&T does not determine eligibility, and to speed up your enrollment, ensure to save your Application ID from the National Verifier.
Once you get approved, you can contact AT&T at 888.471.2547 to enroll with your National Verifier application ID. You need to pass the eligibility requirements discussed above to qualify for the AT&T affordable connectivity program.