AT&T Low-Income Internet Program
AT&T Low-Income Internet, also known as ‘Access from AT&T’ is a low-cost home internet service. All the low-income households who are qualified to receive the AT&T ACP benefits can subscribe to the Access from AT&T plan and get 100 Mbps internet for free. AT&T DSL, IPBB, and fiber internet customers who are currently participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for California residents, National School Lunch Program, or have a combined household income below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines are eligible to receive free internet service through Access from AT&T.
Depending on the type of connection, you will receive download speeds between 1 and 100 Mbps. Similarly, your monthly data allowance may be limited or fixed depending on the choice of plan. Plans with data caps cost lower than $30 per month. However, the most popular plan in the Access by AT&T product portfolio is the AT&T Internet 100 plan which costs $30 per month and includes unlimited data and contract-free service. All the ‘Access from AT&T’ plans come with a compatible modem-router gateway and free installation.
Note: AT&T customers who are not eligible for the AT&T Affordable Connectivity Program but have a family member who receives SNAP, SSI, NSLP, or Head Start program benefits can sign up for Access from AT&T service and get high-speed residential service for $30 per month or less.
AT&T Affordable Connectivity Program
The AT&T Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government-sponsored program that aims to bridge the digital divide in the USA. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it became apparent that 19 million Americans (6 percent of the U.S. population) could not afford fixed broadband at acceptable speeds. The average price of a high-speed internet plan in the country was $65 per month. But since 60 percent of the families in the USA were living paycheck to paycheck, it was nearly impossible for them to fork out up to $65 each month to pay for a fast and reliable home internet service. Low-income families without internet access took a hit when the world shifted to remote work and learning as a result of the year-long lockdown.
To remedy this situation, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) joined hands with the nation’s best and biggest internet providers and awarded $73 million for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). ACP aims to deliver free and low-cost internet services to underprivileged families. Participants of AT&T ACP get $30 every month to pay their internet fees. Low-income families from qualifying Tribal lands get $75 per month from the government to pay their internet bills.
So, in short, the AT&T Affordable Connectivity Program is a government subsidy that targets financially distressed households and helps them get fast and reliable home internet service at the lowest possible costs.
Internet Plans After AT&T ACP Discount
AT&T’s Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to AT&T Fiber, DSL, and IPBB customers. Customers who are currently using the AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet service in select few rural areas do not qualify for AT&T ACP. Therefore, the $30 government-provided, monthly discount (or $75 discount) can only be applied to AT&T Fiber, DSL, and IPBB internet plans.
Fiber Internet Prices After AT&T ACP Discount
For qualifying AT&T ACP subscribers, AT&T Fiber plans will cost as low as $25 per month.