Affordable Connectivity Program - Regional Outreach
Households in the KC Region Enrolled in the ACP
%
Enrollment Rate for Eligible Households
ACP Outreach Events Held
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a subsidy program provided by the FCC, and with its (up to) $30/month discount, it has not only lowered the internet bills of eligible low-income households, it has influenced some internet service providers to offer plans that are 100% covered by the discount, making internet service free for those who can select such a plan.
Notably, the ACP prevents credit checks, upselling and requiring contracts and requires that ISPs refrain from disconnecting service for 90 days. And if a household does end up getting disconnected, they do not need to pay off their balance to restore service.
But, none of this helps if a household is unaware of or unable to sign up for the ACP. Our evidence shows that awareness of this program is very low in our region among both low-income households and community-based organizations. Therefore, we are building on our work over the last two years through the Internet Access Support Program, which has provided up to $225 for past-due bills and an internet subsidy up to $75/month for six months for about 1,200 households in the KC metro, by deploying a number of tactics to increase ACP awareness and enrollment. We also continue to bolster a comprehensive coalition of organizations familiar with serving diverse, low-income households and are experienced in helping their clients connect to other community resources like the ACP.
Tools and resources
- Download the ACP Sign-Up Manual – prepared by KC Digital Drive for local community organizations
- Share your ACP activities to include in local monthly reports and newsletters
- Contact us to learn more about regional planning or to request an ACP overview or ACP training for your staff
- Download the Greater Kansas City ACP Enrollment Reports by month – prepared by KC Digital Drive
- Check out our Internet Access Support Program (IASP) to learn more about additional assistance we can provide and subsidies that may be available