The need for reliable broadband connectivity has never been more important as Ohioans depend on the internet for work, health care and education. While many internet service providers, including several members of OCTA – Ohio’s Broadband and Cable Association, offer low-cost broadband service to qualifying households, last year the federal government launched the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program to support broadband adoption during the COVID-19 crisis. Now, qualifying households can receive assistance paying for internet service and receive a discount on a device through the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which replaces the EBB.
Launched on January 1, 2022, the ACP is a program through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides a discount of up to $30 per month ($75 per month on qualifying Tribal lands) toward a household’s internet subscription. The program also includes a one-time $100 discount of a laptop or desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the purchaser contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
To qualify, a household must meet at least one of these criteria:
For households eligible to participate in ACP, they must complete two steps to enroll.
Households previously enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit will continue to receive their monthly benefit until March 1, 2022, and then roll onto the ACP.