Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Federal Communication Commission, Affordable Connectivity Program, opportunity number FCC-ACOGP-23-001
Project Name: Increasing Awareness of and Participation in Affordable Connectivity Program in North Dakota
PI: Wendelin Hume
The FCC is currently not taking applications at this time (posted on Feb 7, 2024).
The project “Increasing Awareness of and Participation in Affordable Connectivity Program in North Dakota” will utilize several different outreach methods to reach eligible households primarily in North Dakota but also in Tribal communities nationwide. The methods used will incorporate a combination of web-based information, social media sharing, newspaper articles or ads, and in-person meetings. To help bridge the digital divide and increase the awareness of and participation in the ACP, social media and web based communication activities will take place through both NIJII, and the North Dakota Justice Opinion and Social Services Survey (NDJOSSS). A culturally relevant and informative module about ACP will be created and hosted on the new website and linked with the existing NDJOSSS website. Information will also be shared in select area newspapers either through letters to the editor or ads as necessary. Additionally, to help reach those households most in need of affordable connectivity, outreach meetings where information will be offered, questions answered, and assistance provided to help people determine eligibility for ACP and to actually enroll on-site if they are interested, will take place in various towns throughout North Dakota. The research team is not associated with any broadband providers and they are able to maintain neutrality and provide factual information to participants.
We are reaching out about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which is a new federal program that wants all Americans to have quality internet access. The program helps low-income households receive up to a $30/month discount on their internet service including associated equipment rentals such as a modem. As part of health and education treaty obligations, households can receive up to a $75/month discount if their household is on qualifying Tribal lands.
Determining eligibility is fairly easy.
The internet company will provide the discount to you based on the special code you will receive upon completing a successful application to the ACP. Determining eligibility is fairly easy.
Households are eligible for the ACP if anyone in their household participates in one of these programs:
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps Medicaid Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)Community Eligibility Provision schools Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Households on qualifying Tribal lands are eligible if you participate in any of the above or:
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Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
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Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard) Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
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Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Or, Tribal and non-Tribal households are eligible for the ACP if their income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guideline is based on household size and state.
