The federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) has become Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service for eligible households. People can choose from various service plans available in their area, including options for home or mobile internet. Some plans will also include a device discount.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly discount per household.
If you are currently enrolled in the former Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, there is no need to reapply. Existing EBB enrollees will continue receiving the $50 subsidy until March 1, 2022. Some participating internet service plans, such as Comcast Internet Essentials, will continue to be fully covered under the new program.
How to apply
There are three ways to apply:
- Online at ACPBenefit.org
- By mail (print an application at your local library)
- Directly with an internet service provider
For any questions, please contact the ACP support center at 877-384-2575 or by emailing ACPSupport@usac.org.
There are advantages to applying online. The online application uses the National Verifier web service to confirm if residents are currently receiving other qualifying benefits, reducing the need for supporting documentation. If it cannot automatically confirm eligibility, the applicant can supply supporting materials.
Eligibility
Many people Hennepin County works with will be eligible for this benefit. A person is eligible if anyone in their household:
- Qualifies for the Lifeline program by receiving one one of the following benefits:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Has an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Has children eligible for free and reduced school lunches
- Includes the free and reduced-price school breakfast or lunch program or through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school years
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers' existing low-income program.
Service plans in Hennepin County
There are multiple internet service providers participating in Minnesota. The list below is an overview of providers who offer service in Hennepin County. Participating providers, their plans, and their service areas may change over time. Contact a provider directly to confirm their offerings.
Fixed broadband: Services are provided to your home, or a single location. These include cable, fiber optic, DSL, and fixed wireless services.
Mobile broadband: Services are device-based and available throughout the service provider's cellular coverage area, similar to cell phone services.
Internet service provider |
Internet service type |
Device discount |
Available plans |
Service area |
Comcast |
Home/Fixed Broadband |
No |
Comcast Internet Essentials
Qualifying customers on other plans will receive a discount |
Most of Hennepin County |
USI Internet |
Home/Fixed Broadband |
No |
|
Parts of Minneapolis, St Louis Park and Minnetonka |
Century Link |
Home/Fixed Broadband |
No |
|
Most of Hennepin County |
LTD Broadband |
Home/Fixed Broadband |
No |
|
Parts of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, St Bonifacius |
PCs for People |
Mobile Broadband |
Yes |
|
Hennepin County |
AT&T |
Mobile Broadband |
No |
Pre-paid or post-paid wireless plans including AT&T, AT&T PREPAID and Cricket Wireless. |
Hennepin County |
Cricket wireless |
Mobile Broadband |
No |
Any Cricket plans |
Hennepin County |
T Mobile |
Mobile Broadband |
Yes |
Any T Mobile plan. Where T Mobile's Fixed Wireless service is available, it is also eligible |
Hennepin County
|
Boost Mobile |
Mobile Broadband |
No |
|
Hennepin County |