Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in Maine

If you live in Maine, your household may qualify for free or reduced monthly broadband services and a one-time discount on a smartphone or other internet-capable device. Learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program in Maine, 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 a phone or 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 Maine

If you’re a resident of Maine, 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 phone program work in Maine?

If you reside in Maine, it’s simple to apply for the ACP. Your household can qualify based on income or program participation. If your household qualifies, you can apply through a participating service provider, online, or through the mail. You may need to submit documentation to prove program participation or income. 

Once your household is enrolled, you’ll receive a discount of up to $30 on your broadband services which includes phone or internet. You can choose to apply the discount to either your phone or internet service. 

There is also a one-time device benefit of up to $100 for internet-capable devices like a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

 

ACP Qualifications in Maine

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

$27,180

$33,980

$31,260

2

$36,620

$45,780

$42,120

3

$46,060

$57,580

$52,980

4

$55,500

$69,380

$63,840

5

$64,940

$81,180

$74,700

6

$74,380

$92,980

$85,560

7

$83,820

$104,780

$96,420

8

$93,260

$116,580

$107,280

For each Additional Person, add: 

$9,440

$11,800

$10,860

 

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

  1. Lifeline

  2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which used to be called Food Stamps

  3. Medicaid

  4. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

  5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  6. Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

  7. Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

  8. School Lunch or Breakfast program, which includes USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools

  9. Federal Pell Grant program recipient in the current year

Eligibility Through MaineCare

MaineCare is the state of Maine’s Medicaid program. MaineCare provides health insurance for people who meet income requirements and are over 65, are caretaking a child or a person with a disability, are differently abled, or blind. If you or someone in your household uses MaineCare, your household may be eligible for a free smartphone and monthly phone service from TruConnect! Medicaid is a qualifying program for the ACP, which works to connect Americans to phone and internet services. To learn more and apply for MaineCare, please visit this MaineCare Medicaid website.

Affordable Connectivity Program Application in Maine

Apply for the ACP benefit online with TruConnect today!

If you have any questions, you can learn more about how to apply for the ACP and to submit an application by mail or online with USAC. 

If you are already participating in a low-income program, you can likely enroll in ACP through your current service provider. 

Participating service providers may help you with the application process. 

How to Connect with TruConnect in Maine

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 Maine

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 14 billion in funding. 

Is ACP the same as EBB?

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB) was replaced by the ACP in 2022. The benefits are similar, and the ACP includes a one-time device discount.

Is the ACP program permanent in Maine?

Yes, the ACP is a Federally funded program and is permanent. 

When did the ACP program start in Maine?

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.

How long will the ACP phone program last in Maine?

The ACP is a permanent, Federally-funded program that offers ongoing services.