Affordable Connectivity Program

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.

The ACP provides eligible households with:

  • Service discount up to $30/month
  • Service discount up to $75/month on qualifying Tribal lands
  • Device discount up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
  • Additional service discount of $15 is available for ACP eligible households provided by Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit (MEBB)

How to Qualify:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Medicaid
    • Your Medicaid eligibility may be up for renewal. Learn more about how to renew (Spanish language information). 
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) (including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

You may need to show a card, letter, or official document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for the ACP.

Note: You may qualify for the ACP through a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

See if you qualify and get started today!

Interested in assistance for ACP sign up?

Check out our ongoing ACP sign up and Chromebook distribution events. In addition to support in registering for the ACP, attendees will also receive a Chromebook. Call 301-405-9810 if you need help making an appointment.

Applicants will need to bring appropriate documentation to verify their income or enrollment in another federal benefit program, as well as to confirm their individual County residency.

Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit (MEBB) program provides a subsidy up to $15/month as a discount on internet service costs to low-income households. This subsidy is in addition to the $30 per month provided by the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”), allowing eligible consumers to obtain a total benefit of up to $45 discount each month. It enables households to not need to choose between having broadband at home or purchasing other essentials.

Households must be enrolled in the ​Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to receive this benefit. Eligible households enrolled with internet providers registered for the ACP and MEBB may reduce their monthly internet costs by up to $45.

Internet Service Providers accepting the ACP subsidy have partnered with Maryland to also accept the Emergency Broadband Benefit. View the list​ of internet service providers providing the $15 MEBB and $30 ACP. Consumers should speak directly with their internet service providers for participation.

Contact:

For internet service provider to participate in MEBB program contact Office of State Broadband

Email osb.md@maryland.gov