Did you hear about the possible discontinuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? Check out our first four FAQs below to help answer some of your questions.
Affordable Connectivity Program
ACP Enrollment Freeze
The FCC issued an order announcing requirements and guidance for the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. The last full month of funding for the program is currently projected as April 2024. Enrollments for the ACP after February 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET will not be permitted. Consumers enrolled in the program before February 8, 2024, will remain eligible to receive the current monthly benefit through the last full month of funding. For all consumers currently enrolled no further action is required. Additional guidance will be provided as developments occur.
Hargray is proud to participate in the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in an effort to help provide fast and reliable connectivity needed for work, school, health care and much more. We are committed to narrowing the digital divide, and the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program aligns with our purpose of empowering people and communities to connect and thrive during these challenging times.
About Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a long-term, $14 billion program, to help ensure consumers can afford the Internet connections needed for work, school, health care and more for a long time. The program will provide a monthly discount of up to $30 per household towards broadband service for eligible households.
This program is available to both current and new Hargary Internet customers.
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if one member of the household currently participates in one of these federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
- Approved for free or reduced lunch program through USDA Community Eligibility Provision
- Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
- Received Pell Grant in current award year
* At the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, all services are subject to Hargray’s regular rates, terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is likely to be discontinued after April 2024 due to a lack of continued government funding. Nothing has been confirmed yet. We understand the significance of the ACP in facilitating affordable internet access for individuals and families and we are committed to keeping you informed of on-going developments related to this program. Please keep an eye out for updates via email and mail from Hargray, where we will share further information as it becomes available.
The FCC is likely discontinuing ACP this spring due to lack of government funding unless additional funding is renewed.
The potential discontinuation of the ACP will likely result in an increase to the cost of your monthly Hargray internet service. If the FCC officially declares the program's discontinuation, Hargray is ready to assist you in finding the most cost-effective internet service. Hargray offers a variety of fast, reliable and affordable internet to meet your needs.
Hargray is committed to keeping you informed of on-going developments related to this program. Please keep an eye out for updates via email and mail from Hargray, where we will share further information as it becomes available.
The FCC Consumer Complaint Center can be reached at:
Phone Number: 1-888-225-5322
Video phone number: 1-844-432-2275
Website Address: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us
The Federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program was temporary in nature and provided a discount on your Internet service for a limited period of time. The Federal government has announced that the EBB Program will end on December 30, 2021 and will be replaced with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) on December 31, 2021.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new long-term, $14 billion program, which modifies and extends the existing Emergency Broadband Benefit Program beginning December 31, 2021 and will help low-income households pay for broadband service.
The FCC has provided a 60-day transition period, beginning on December 31, 2021, and ending on February 28, 2022 (the “EBB Transition Period”), for households currently enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. During the EBB Transition Period you will continue to receive the EBB program discount.
Beginning in March 2022, your account will automatically transition to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements established by the FCC. No action is required by you to transition to the ACP at this time. If any changes or information is required by you for ACP, we will contact you directly with information.
Households have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% (previously 135%) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 due to Covid-19 will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Please visit www.FCC.gov/ACP for more information on if you qualify.
The Affordable Connectivity Program discount for non-Tribal areas is a maximum of $30, reduced from a maximum discount of $50 for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
Yes, you may change your Internet service plan at any time in order to take advantage of any speed changes you need or to account for any changes to the discount amounts that may affect your household due to the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Accounts that are eligible for the program and already signed up through Hargray for EBB will receive their appropriate credit of up to $30 beginning with their March billing cycle. Prior to March, you EBB discount will continue to be applied.
Accounts that have not participated in EBB and are eligible for the ACP program and signed up through Hargray will receive their appropriate credit of up to $30 beginning with their next billing cycle.
Your credit will be based on the base rate for the Internet service you sign up for, excluding taxes, fees, and surcharges, up to a maximum of $30 per month.
All Hargray residential Internet plans are eligible for ACP. Call 877.HARGRAY (877.427.4729) for more information about eligible plans in your area.
No, the discount applied will be limited to your actual charges for Internet service, up to a maximum of $30.
No. This benefit is only applicable to current monthly service costs.
For more information and steps to enroll, visit www.hargray.com/ACP
Hargray is not participating in that portion of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a long-term, $14 billion program, to help ensure consumers can afford the Internet connections needed for work, school, health care and more for a long time.
Please follow any recommendations available at Universal Service Administrative Company, as this organization determines program eligibility.
Yes, you may receive both Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit. To learn more about Lifeline, visit https://www.hargray.com/federal-lifeline-program
No. You must request enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program and chose an eligible service plan. You can choose to receive the benefit from your current Lifeline service provider or another participating provider.
You must opt-in to receive the discount, be an active Internet customer and be verified for the Affordable Connectivity Program before we can apply your discount.