Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in Connecticut

If you live in Connecticut, your household may qualify for free monthly broadband services and a one-time discount on an internet-capable device from TruConnect. Learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program in Connecticut, its benefits, and how to qualify. 

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What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, is a federally-funded program that supports low-income households by providing a financial discount on broadband services and a one-time discount on an internet-capable device. The ACP recognizes that broadband services and internet-capable devices are necessary for access to work, healthcare, education, and emergency services. 

How To Get Free Phone Service in Connecticut

If you’re a resident of Connecticut, and you qualify for the ACP, you can get a free smartphone with TruConnect! TruConnect offers a free Android Smartphone with their FREE ACP monthly service plan. (Subject to availability)

How does the ACP program work in Connecticut?

If you reside in Connecticut, it’s simple to apply for the ACP. Your household can qualify based on income or qualifying program participation. If your household qualifies, you can apply online with TruConnect. You may need to submit documentation to prove program participation or income. 

ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services. 

Additionally, the program provides a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through TruConnect. The one-time discount requires a co-paymnet of more than $10 and less than $50. 

ACP Qualifications in Connecticut

Your household can qualify for the ACP based on income or program participation.

If your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are eligible for the ACP. The income eligibility chart for ACP qualifications can be found below:

Household Size

48 States, D.C., and Territories

Alaska

Hawaii

1

$29,160

$36,420

$33,540

2

$39,440

$49,280

$45,360

3

$49,720

$62,140

$57,180

4

$60,000

$75,000

$69,000

5

$70,280

$87,860

$80,820

6

$80,560

$100,720

$92,640

7

$90,840

$113,580

$104,460

8

$101,120

$126,440

$116,280

For each Additional Person, add: 

$10,280

$12,860

$11,820

 

If a member of your household participates in one of the following government assistance programs, that qualifies your household for the ACP.

  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs:
    • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
    • SNAP
    • Medicaid
    • Federal Housing Assistance, including:
      • Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
      • Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
      • Public Housing
      • Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • WIC
    • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
    • or Lifeline;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
    • Tribal TANF
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
    • Tribal Head Start (income based)

Do You Use Connecticut Medicaid?

Keep reading if you’re looking to lower your phone bill and use Medicaid. Medicaid is health insurance that is funded by the federal government and the state of Connecticut. If you or someone in your household, like your child, uses Medicaid, your household may qualify for a discounted smartphone and monthly phone service from TruConnect! Medicaid is a qualifying program for the ACP benefit, which helps people get and stay connected to cell phone service. You may qualify for Medicaid if you meet income requirements and are pregnant, differently abled or blind, are caretaking a child or someone living with a disability, or are over 65. If you think you might qualify, go to Connecticut Medicaid for information on applying.

Affordable Connectivity Program Application in Connecticut

Apply for the ACP in Connecticut online now!

TruConnect can help you with the application process. 

How to Connect with TruConnect in Connecticut

TruConnect has a FREE plan if you qualify for the ACP. Their stand-alone free ACP service plan includes at least 8 GB of 4G LTE data, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and your choice of an LTE-enabled hotspot device or Google Play Certified LTE Android smartphone (subject to availability). (You can apply their ACP credit to any TruConnect plan.)

TruConnect also offers its helpful app, MyTruConnect. With MyTruConnect you can check your usage, connect to our Wi-Fi networks and earn credits toward new products. You can download the MyTruConnect app now to start managing you account!

 

Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs in Connecticut

Is the Affordable Connectivity Program legitimate?

Yes. The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefits program that is managed by the Universal Service Administration Company. The ACP is a new, long-term program with approximately 14 billion in funding. 

Is ACP the same as EBB?

ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB) in December 2021. Both programs support providing a discount on broadband service. The ACP includes a one-time connected device discount.

Is the ACP program permanent in Connecticut?

No, the ACP is a long-term benefit program but is not permanent. 

When did the ACP program start in Connecticut?

The ACP began accepting enrollments on December 31, 2021. There was a 60-day transition period for participants in the EBB who continued to receive their current benefits through March 1, 2022, before fully moving over to the ACP.