Does AT&T Offer Free Internet Through ACP – In today’s digital area where technology tools and internet connectivity are critical in our day-to-day lives, having discounted internet services is a boon for low-income communities. As per recent reports, around 43% of adults belonging to low-income households lack broadband services at their homes and around 41% do not have internet-connected devices.
Fortunately, a lot of internet service providers are willing to provide discounts on internet services particularly if you bundle them together. AT&T is one such provider that aims to bridge the digital divide by providing cost-effective internet facilities to eligible households in the form of a low-cost internet plan known as AT&T Access. Moreover, the service provider also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program to make sure you get free internet services and thrive in today’s digital age.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
AT&T offers affordable internet plans for low-income households through two programs: Access from AT&T and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
- AT&T Access:Low-cost internet plans for eligible households, with speeds up to 100 Mbps.
- ACP:Reduces monthly internet bills by up to $30 ($75 on tribal lands).
- Combine benefits:Qualify for both for potentially free internet.
- Limited availability:Check if your address qualifies for AT&T Access.
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Does AT&T Provide Free/ Low-Cost Internet?
Yes AT&T has made a three-year $2 billion commitment to addressing the digital divide through its affordable broadband services. The company also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program and makes charitable contributions for low-income individuals and families through the AT&T connected learning program.
The service provider is driving down the rise of the internet for low income households by combining their low-cost internet plan Access from AT&T Program with Affordable Connectivity Program benefits. AT&T Access Program provides a fast and reliable internet plan for up to 100 Mbps for $30 per month.
By combining your ACP benefits you get the newest speed tire completely free. Qualified households can apply ACP benefits to their existing AT&T Internet plans and save up to $30 monthly on their AT&T Internet services. Households living in tribal lands can get enhanced internet discounts of up to $75 per month. This also includes the fastest AT&T Fiber Plan that provides speed of up to 5 Gigs in approximately 70 metro areas.
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What Is AT&T Access?
A low-income internet discount program designed for poor households in the United States of America is known as AT&T Access. Once qualified you can receive internet service for as low as $5 per month through this initiative.
The cost of this internet plan depends on the speed available in your area and your needs. The pricing and speed structure for the AT&T Access Program are as follows:
- 3 Mbps Internet speed for $5 per month
- 10 Mbps Internet speed for $10 per month
- 100 Mbps Internet speed including unlimited data for $30 per month.
In other words, households can get an internet plan for just $5 per month in case the 10 3 Mbps internet speed is not available in their area of residence. In case you have access to 10 3 Mbps internet speed you can choose between the monthly internet plan for either $10 or $30. By combining your ACP benefits with the AT&T Access Program you can cover the cost of your internet bill entirely.
Customers can also opt to apply their ACP benefits to AT&T prepaid or Foxxd T8 Free Government Tablet. The only condition is that only one benefit is available per household.
What Are The Benefits Of AT&T Access?
Free High-Speed Internet Access
AT&T provides access to high-speed internet service to low-income households. This helps to bridge a digital gap by making sure low-income families and individuals get access to necessary online resources for work, education, communication and entertainment.
By providing free accessibility to the internet, AT&T Access Program levels the playing field and provides an opportunity for underserved communities to overcome all the digital barriers
Enhanced Professional/ Educational Opportunities
Affordable and low-cost internet opens the door to numerous professional and educational opportunities. Being enrolled in the AT&T Access plan users can get online educational resources, access online telehealth services, stay connected with their loved ones, participate in learning programs, gain online certification courses and succeed in their journey.
Digital Inclusivity
The AT&T Access Program plays a critical role in closing the digital divide or gap between those who have access to communication technologies and modern information and tools. Low-income households can get affordable high-speed internet irrespective of their socioeconomic status and this promotes equal opportunity and digital inclusivity.
How To Qualify For AT&T Access?
To qualify for the AT&T Access Program households have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must live in an area where AT&T Access provide internet facilities and services
- Applicants must be able to provide a valid school ID of the student or present student loan statements
- Applicants must have at least one K-12 students living in their household to qualify
- Should not have a prior AT&T Internet account
- At least one member of the household must qualify for the following government assistance programs: National School Lunch program, Supplemental Security Income (for California residents only), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Must prove their low-income status such as having a combined income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
It is important to note that Access from AT&T is available to eligible households participating in SNAP, SSI (for California residents) and the National School Lunch Program. You can also apply for the plan even if you do not qualify for ACP.
What Are The Documents Required For AT&T Access?
You need to provide a copy of the following documentation to qualify for this low-cost Internet plan:
- Proof of your SNAP in any of the following copies: SNAP card and government-assisted ID with your name and photo, or SNAP card showing the participant’s name or SNAP participation or benefits letter from the local SNAP office.
- Proof of your enrollment in Supplemental Security Income (if you’re a resident of California only). This requires a copy of the award letter from the Social Security Administration or benefit verification letter that confirms that the resident of the household has been qualified for SSI benefits.
- Proof of your enrollment in the National School Lunch Program in the form of a copy of the award letter and proof of enrollment including the school name, date, school district, child’s name and address
- Proof of your income in the form of paycheck stubs, employer W2 forms, statement of benefits from Social Security or Workmen’s Compensation or Unemployment Compensation.
AT&T has extended the eligibility criteria for Access from AT&T to households based on the following income limitations:
- $29160 income for one-person household
- $39440 for two-person household
- $49720 for three- person household
- $60,000 for four-person household
- $70280 for five-person household
- $85600 for six-person household
- $98400 for seven-person household
- $101280 for eight-person household
- $10280 for each additional person.
What Is the AT&T ACP Program?
AT&T is a proud participant of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides monthly discounts of up to $30 towards internet broadband services for low-income households.
Individuals living on qualifying tribal lands can get enhanced discounts up to $75 as per reports of FCC. Interested applicants can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a tablet, desktop computer or laptop from participating providers by making a co-pay of $10 to $50 towards the purchase price of the device.
Those who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program can also qualify for the $30 low-cost internet plan through the AT&T Access Program and this makes the internet completely free on applying for federal benefits. To get started households need to apply for ACP benefits and contact AT&T customer team at 855-220-5211 and set up a plan.
Note. The Free Tablet Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is no longer accepting new applications after February 8, 2024 due to lack of funding from Congress. The current ACP benefits will be continuing through the end of the program. FCC expects the program may run out of funds by the end of April 2024.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Qualify For Free Internet From AT&T?
In this section, we will help you dive into the eligibility criteria to qualify for the low-cost internet plan from AT&T.
Service Area
It is important to note that the AT&T Access plan is not available throughout the country. To receive benefits through the AT&T Access you need to live in an eligible service area with proper AT&T coverage. The companies providing internet service in select regions in 22 states including
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- New Jersey
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Income Limits
Applicants must make sure their combined annual household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Proving your low-income status is an important criterion to fulfill.
Participation In Government Assistance Programs
Candidates can also qualify based on their participation in government assistance programs such as the following:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Lifeline
- Received a Pell Grant in the current award year
- Medicaid
- National School Lunch Program/ School Breakfast Program
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women Infants And Children
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Must also qualify for participating in providers’ existing low-income internet programs even if your income is within the federal threshold
- Must qualify for tribal assistance programs like Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation, Tribal Head Start or Tribal TANF
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also offers limited assistance in buying a high-speed internet-compatible device such as a tablet, a laptop or a desktop computer. Moreover it is also necessary to ensure you do not have any outstanding debt to AT&T.
Those who are looking for Free Phones For Low Income must also meet the aforementioned criteria.
What Are The Documents Required To Qualify For AT&T Free Internet Plan?
Income Verification Documents
Following is the list of acceptable income documents:
- Paycheck stub
- Recent Income Statement from your employer
- Retirement or Pension Statement of Benefits
- Workers Compensation Statement of Benefits
- Veteran Administration Statement of Benefits
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
- Previous year’s federal state or tribal tax return
- Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation Statement of benefit.
Proof of Government Program Participation
Following is the accepted document that demonstrates your participation in the government assistance programs.
- Benefit Award Letter
- Government Approval Letter
- Statement Of Benefits Letter.
Personal Identity Documents
The generally accepted documents are as follows:
- Drivers license
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Government-issued state military or tribal ID
- Certificate of US citizenship
- Permanent resident card
- US driver’s license
- Certification of emancipation.
Address Verification Documents
A critical step to complete the application procedure is to confirm your physical address in the form of valid documents. Some of the accepted documents are the following:
- Driver’s license
- Utility bill
- Most recent tax return
- Mortgage or lease statement.
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How To Apply For AT&T Low Cost Internet Plan?
Applying for the AT&T Access and AT&T ACP program is a hassle-free and simple procedure that makes sure low income households can easily access affordable telecommunication services without breaking the bank. Here are the steps that will help you to navigate the application procedure seamlessly.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before delving deep into the application procedure it is necessary to ensure you qualify for AT&T Access and AT&T ACP program. The eligibility criteria for both plans have been mentioned in the above section of the article. You also need to arrange relevant documents to verify your eligibility for the low-cost internet and Free phone and Tablet Government Programs.
2. Complete ACP Application
- Open the ACP website in your browser and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button
- Now you will see the application form for the ACP National Verifier
- Fill out the application form with the correct details and also upload the eligibility documents
- Finally, submit the application form and wait for a response.
3. Head To AT&T Access Website
The next step is to visit the official website of AT&T Access and start the application process. Here you have to provide all information related to the program, and eligibility details below the application form and upload the documents. Once approved you will get instructions on how you can activate the AT&T Access account and apply your ACP credits to the discounted bill.
List of AT&T Fiber Plans
AT&T Fiber Internet services are powered by fiber optic cable that transmits data at high speed compared to DSL or cable-based internet and is available in 21 states with speeds ranging up to 5 Gigs. Let’s take a look at the following AT&T fiber plans for you to choose from:
- 300 Mbps AT&T fiber plan: The plan comes with a cost of $55 tax for fast online speed for the whole family and enables streaming HD video, sharing large files and playing online games.
- 500 MPs AT&T fiber plan: The plan comes with a cost of $65 per month plus taxes for fast speed and bandwidth for various users.
- 1 gig AT&T fiber plan: The plan comes with a cost of $80 per month and provides fast speed for smart homes and is an excellent choice for online gamers as well as home office power users.
- 2 Gig AT&T fiber plan: The plan comes with a cost of $125 plus taxes and provides high-speed internet for remote work.
- 5 gig AT&T fiber plan: The plan comes with a cost of $225 per month including taxes that provides elite gaming experience, stream online and fast speed internet access.
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Alternate Ways To Find Discounted Internet If You Fail To Qualify For The Affordable Connectivity Program
Low-income households who have failed to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program can take a look at the following alternative ways through which they can secure low-cost internet plans.
Use Free Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
There are various places outside your home where you can access free or low-cost internet. For instance, municipal wireless networks are available in various cities and towns and you can get a free public Wi-Fi network that covers your area.
Apply For Other ACP Providers
Various Internet service providers have developed their own internet discount programs with eligibility criteria less stringent than those of the Affordable Connectivity Program. These examples include
Help From Nonprofit Organizations
Various nonprofit organizations help people with fewer discounted internet services such as EveryoneOn, PCs for People, Human-I-T, Devices for Students etc. The objective of the nonprofit organizations is to help low income households get affordable electronic devices and Internet.
Apply For Lifeline Assistance Program
Lifeline is another popular federal initiative besides the Affordable Connectivity Program where AT&T is a major and proud participant. Unlike ACP, the Lifeline Assistance is a permanently funded program and is not likely to go out of funds.
The program provides discounts up to $9 for households living in non-tribal land and $34 for households living in tribal lands towards their internet charges. To qualify for the program you need to make sure your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
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Conclusion
By participating in AT&T Access or the AT&T ACP program low-income households can gain access to secure and affordable high-speed internet and ensure easy connectivity for research, online learning and communication. The company promotes digital inclusion and equity by closing the digital divide among low-income communities. This guide has helped to throw light on the eligibility criteria, the documents required, the application procedure and other pertaining details associated with AT&T Access and AT&T ACP program.
Do not lose hope in case you do not qualify for the AT&T Access Internet program as many other service providers are participating in ACP or have their own low-cost internet plans. Check our comprehensive list of low-income Internet plans at the Get Government Grants to know your available options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AT&T Provide Senior Discounts?
Seniors having AARP membership can save around $10 per line and get credits up to $100 entire bill on switching to AT&T. Also the unlimited 55+ senior plan is a senior exclusive discount offered by AT&T for those 45 years old and a resident of California.
How To Contact AT&T Access Program?
Customers can contact the service team of AT&T Access to know more details about their low-cost internet plan by dialing 855-502-2109 for English or 855-577-2798 for Spanish.
Is The Affordable Connectivity Program Winding Down?
FCC reports that the ACP program will run out of funds by the end of April 2024 due to a lack of funding from Congress. Once the program winds down, enrolled households will no longer receive program discounts. February 7 2024 is the last day that ACP accepted new applications and enrollments. The FCC expects the existing ACP funding to run out at the end of April 2024 if Congress does not provide additional funding.
What Is Included With AT&T Access Internet?
The Access Program by AT&T includes an in-home Wi-Fi modem, access to AT&T Wi-Fi basic network, web protection tools, no-annual contracts and no data caps.