The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that offers a monthly discount of up to $30 to help low-income households pay for internet service. The program is available to households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or participating in specific government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC. Usually, the program operates in all states of the US. You will learn about the ACP program Colorado shortly.
Colorado is a state found in the western region of the United States. Its capital and largest city is Denver. Colorado is known for its scenic beauty, with the Rocky Mountains dominating its western portion. The state also has numerous national parks and monuments, including Mesa Verde National Park, Rocky Mountain, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It has a large population of people living within it as well.
According to the latest population estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population of Colorado as of 2020 is approximately 5.8 million people. This represents an increase of over 14% since the last official census conducted in 2010, which recorded just under 5 million people. The state has experienced steady population growth in recent years, with many people attracted to the area’s outdoor recreational opportunities, strong economy, and overall quality of life. Within that population, some people depend on the Affordable Connectivity Program and other government programs for discounted internet and devices.
Benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program
There are many benefits to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The following are just a few.
- It can help you save funds on your internet bill. The ACP provides a monthly discount of up to $30 to eligible households. This can save you significant money, especially with a high-speed internet plan.
- It can help you connect to the digital world. Broadband internet is essential for many aspects of life today, including school, work, healthcare, and entertainment. The ACP can help you connect to the digital world and participate in all it offers.
- It can help close the digital divide. The ACP can help close this gap by making broadband affordable internet for low-income households.
- It can help improve educational outcomes. Students with broadband internet access are more likely to succeed in school. The ACP can ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed by making broadband internet more affordable.
It can help improve employment outcomes. Workers who have access to broadband internet are more likely to be employed. The ACP can help improve employment outcomes by making broadband internet more affordable.
How to apply for ACP Program in Colorado
There are two ways to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in Colorado:
1. Online
You can apply for the ACP online at the FCC website. To do this, you must create an account and provide information about your household income and participation in government assistance programs.
The following are the various steps to apply for ACP in Colorado online.
- Go to the FCC website.
- Click on the “Affordable Connectivity Program” tab.
- Click on the “Apply Online” button.
- Create an account or log in to your existing account.
- Provide information about your household income and participation in government assistance programs.
- Submit your application.
You will get a confirmation mail once your application has been submitted. If approved for the program, you will receive a monthly discount on your internet bill.
2. By Phone
You can also apply for the ACP by phone by calling 877-384-2575. When you call, you must provide information about your household income and participation in government assistance programs.
You also need to know that the Colorado Broadband Office administers the ACP program in Colorado. You can find a list of participating internet service providers on the Colorado Broadband Office website. You can ask questions about the ACP by contacting the Colorado Broadband Office at 877-384-2575.
Documents needed for ACP Program Qualifications
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides discounts on broadband internet service and specific connected devices to eligible households. To apply for the ACP, the following documents may be required:
1. Proof of eligibility
To prove your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you may need to provide one or more of the following documents:
- Participation in a government assistance program: If you participate in a government aid program such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or others, you can use documentation of your participation as proof of eligibility.
- Free or reduced-price school meals: If your child is eligible for reduced-price or free school meals, you can use documentation from the school or the National School Lunch Program as proof of eligibility.
- Income documentation: If you meet specific income requirements, you may need docs such as a recent tax return, pay stubs, or other financial records to prove your eligibility.
- Unemployment benefits: If you are currently receiving unemployment benefits, you can use documentation of your benefits as proof of eligibility.
2. Proof of identity
You may need to provide one or more of the following documents to prove your identity for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
- Driver’s license: Your state-issued driver’s license or ID card can serve as proof of identity for the ACP.
- Passport: A valid passport can also serve as proof of identity.
- Birth certificate: Your birth certificate may be accepted as proof of identity, but you may need to provide additional documentation to confirm your current address.
- Social Security card: Your Social Security card can be used as proof of identity, but it’s essential to be careful with sharing this document, as it contains sensitive personal information.
- State ID card: If you don’t have a driver’s license, you may be able to use a state-issued ID card as proof of identity for the ACP.
3. Proof of address
To prove your address for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you may need to provide one or more of the following documents:
- Utility bill: A recent utility bill, such as electricity, water, or gas, can serve as proof of address for the ACP.
- Lease agreement: If you rent your home, a current lease agreement showing your name and address can be used as proof of address.
- Mortgage statement: If you own a home, a recent mortgage statement that shows your name and address can serve as proof of address.
- Driver’s license or state ID: If your current address is listed on your state-issued driver’s license or ID card, you can use this as proof of address for the ACP.
- Voter registration card: If you are registered to vote, a current voter registration card that shows your name and address may be used as proof of address.
Affordable Connectivity Program Providers in Colorado
There are various ACP providers in Colorado. They include the following.
- Comcast
- CenturyLink
- T-Mobile
- Starry Internet
- Google Fiber
Bottom Line
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created by the USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide discounts on broadband internet service and specific connected devices to eligible households. Colorado is among the various states that offer ACP services. To qualify for the program, households must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as participation in a government assistance program, eligibility for free or reduced-price school meals, or meeting certain income requirements.