FCC announces ACP winding down
What’s happening?
On Jan. 11, 2024, the FCC issued an order announcing the expected ending of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. Funding for the program is anticipated to run through April 2024.
While the ending of the program is not definite, it is likely. If you’re currently enrolled in the program with Ciello, we have mailed out a notice informing you of this change.
Following the April 29, 2024 billing, Ciello customers enrolled in ACP will NO longer receive a $30 credit on their Ciello Internet bill. The April 29 bill WILL STILL INCLUDE THE $30 CREDIT.
For more general information about the ACP, visit GetInternet.gov.
Details:
• ACP applications and enrollments will NOT be processed after Feb. 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
• Households who have applied, been approved and are receiving the monthly Internet discount before Feb. 8, 2024 will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out, as long as the household remains enrolled in the program.
• After the ACP funds run out (projected in April 2024), households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts
What does this mean for low-income households NOT in the ACP?
•Because of the wind down of the program, the ACP will need to stop new enrollments. Starting Feb. 8, 2024, no new enrollments will be accepted.
•If you’re still in the process of applying for ACP, you must be enrolled with Ciello by Feb. 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET to receive the current benefit. Enrollments for the ACP after Feb. 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET will not be permitted.
•Eligible households that are not already enrolled and who wish to receive the ACP benefit should complete an application at GetInternet.gov as soon as possible to allow time for the processing of your application. Once your application is qualified, you must sign up with an Internet company (Ciello) by Feb. 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET to start receiving your benefit.
How does wind-down impact enrolled ACP households?
•Households that are enrolled in ACP will continue to receive monthly discounted Internet service through the end of the ACP.
•During the ACP wind-down period, ACP households will receive notices from their Internet company (Ciello) about the impact of the end of the benefit on how the household’s bill and service.
•ACP households may also switch their Internet plans without penalty.
ACP households should:
•Consistently check their emails for more information and for further updates regarding the ACP benefit. Also visit http://www.AffordableConnectivity.gov and www.fcc.gov/acp.
•Contact their Internet company (Ciello) for questions about how the end of the ACP will affect their monthly bill and to ask about available options.
•Visit www.fcc.gov/acp to access answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and other guidance about the ACP wind-down process, including what households need to know about retaining Internet service after the end of the ACP.
•Contact USAC directly for any other questions about the ACP wind-down. Households can call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 for information about their benefit.
What are the important dates I should be aware of regarding the ACP wind-down?
•Feb. 7, 2024: This is the last day that the ACP will accept new applications and enrollments. Eligible households must be approved and enrolled with an Internet company (Ciello) by 11:59 PM ET on Feb. 7 to receive the ACP benefit. Starting Feb. 8, 2024, there will be no more enrollments into the ACP.
•April 2024: The FCC anticipates existing ACP funding to run out in April 2024 if Congress does not provide additional funding. Consumers that are enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive their benefit on their Internet service through April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change.
Wind-down Fact Sheet
Wind-down Fact Sheet Spanish