We cannot ignore the importance of the internet in our lives. We all are attached to the internet for jobs, communication, business, study, and more. Unfortunately, it is hard to manage internet facilities for many citizens, especially for low-income people. To facilitate internet-based communication and jobs for households with income depletion, last year the federal government took an initiative named the EBB program (Emergency Broadband Benefit). The EBB provided millions of low-income households with discounted internet and connected devices. After closing this temporary aid program in December 2021, The FCC (Federal Communications Commission- the executive organization) has launched another subsidy initiative named the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in place of the EBB program. From March 2022, every eligible household can receive monthly discounted high-speed internet as well as a connected device.
Mediacom, the trusted internet and cable service provider, again partnered with the FCC to distribute the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit to eligible households. Mediacom delivers the best home entertainment for its customers. People trust Mediacom much because of its trustworthy digital cable TV, high-speed internet, and phone services. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is Mediacom one cordial endeavor to help households to minimize their sufferings. That’s why they started to work with the FCC’s new subsidy program named Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
What is The Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Mediacom has always been looking for new opportunities for its customers to serve with commitment and trust. This internet service provider is participating in the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to provide discounted internet access to people. This program is designed to help families and individuals to afford internet service during times of crisis. This temporary program provides eligible, new, or current customers with up to $30 off their monthly internet service bills and up to $75 per month for eligible customers in Tribal land. The monthly discount is applied to the customer’s bill with others providing participating ACP programs. The money will cover a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, tablet, and PC. Mediacom users will get a new service named Connect2Compete with the ACP benefit.
Why Should You Choose The Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Mediacom cable is a widely acknowledged cable operator company in America. It managed to create a huge network of digital television, traditional video services, and high-speed internet access across 22 American states. Mediacom delivers scalable Broadband internet to both private and commercial houses through the fiber-rich network. Now Mediacom is the 5th largest cable operator in America and also the leading gigabit broadband to smaller markets. In addition to its dedication towards the existing services and customers, Mediacom extended its cordial efforts to help low-income households. Especially people who are struggling to cope with this pandemic crisis. Now eligible households with low-income can enroll in FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program and enjoy the subsidized speedy broadband service. It doesn’t matter whether you are an existing or a new customer, every household can enroll being eligible for this program.
Enrolling Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with Mediacom will take you to a new level of broadband internet experience with at least 30 dollars discount monthly. though Mediacom launched a new program to maximize ACP. By linking to Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with C2C, Mediacom ACP subscribers will get C2C+$30 per month including modem and unlimited data. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has limited the program to one discount per household. ACP users can get access to Internet download speeds of up to 50 Mbps through C2C and tier options. Remember, ACP is a non-transferable benefit program which means each household will receive one benefit only.
How to Check if You Qualify For Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program?
To get approval for Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you must pre-qualify for the program through the National Verifier. If customers are verified, they can get the program by choosing Mediacom as the participating internet service. You will be eligible for ACP if:
- If any member of your household has the Lifeline Membership, then you can directly enroll into the ACP. Other eligibility program memberships are the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Federal Public Housing Assistance, and Veterans survivor Pensions Benefits Fund to enroll as Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) eligible.
- If the yearly income range of a household is below the FCC guidelines then that household can apply for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). For a single filer, the yearly income should be under $99,000 and for joint filers, the yearly income should be below $198,000. The income here is countable only for the year 2020.
- The household income should be less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This income range is regarded as low-income and these types of households are eligible for the Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits.
- If anyone lost a job or got a termination letter or was furloughed since February 29 of 2020, then it will be considered for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
- who received a federal Pell Grant in the current years can apply as eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits.
- any student of your household who qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year.
How to Enroll in The Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is simple to enroll in. Check the following steps to enroll in the Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit.
Check the eligibility terms
Before going through the main application process, you must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this process. The National Verifier will check your information and documents and will let you know whether you are eligible for this program or not. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) looks after and executes this verification process. There are common eligibility terms that Mediacom follows. You will get your eligibility confirmation from the National Verifier within a few minutes.
Apply online
After getting confirmation of your eligibility Visit mediacomcable.com/acp to sign up. Next, you will need to fill out the online page with pieces of information. Besides the information, you must attach certain documents to claim your eligibility based on the criteria. Before going to the next step, make sure of the validity of each piece of information and then proceed to the further steps. Wait until getting approval, usually it takes 3 to 5 minutes for the verification and approval. After verification, you will be able to use Mediacom services and receive Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Setup or update your Mediacom Internet Service
Now, you have to set up or update your Mediacom service. For set up or update, you have to contact 855-330-6918. Mediacom will act regarding your account.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
I am enrolled in EBB. Do I need to do anything to enroll in ACP?
Yes, you are still eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) as long as you meet its eligibility requirements (a bit different from the EBB program). As an EBB customer, you should contact ACP through email before the end of February with the necessary documents to get your ACP benefits further.
How long will the Mediacom Affordable Connectivity Program last?
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), this program will last for years as it’s not a temporary program like the EBB was. FCC introduced the EBB program in a temporary form but Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is going to be a permanent form. This means the eligible individuals or households can enjoy the monthly subsidy until they need the financial aid.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program Permanent?
Before I mentioned that, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaced the EBB program. During the last day of 2021, technically ACP took over EBB. Although, EBB is a temporary program designed to last for 6 months or until funding runs out. FCC has ensured that the ACP program will be a long-term endeavor since its inception. ACP is currently not clear whether it is a permanent program or not. The Affordable Connectivity Program will serve the country for a very long time.
Are There Any Limitations of the Simple Mobile ACP Program?
Still, there are a few restrictions that FCC maps out regarding Simple mobile Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). ACP is a federally funded program designed to assist households based on their income or participation in assistance programs. It is only for individuals who participate or qualify in any of the government programs. A household is not permitted to use the ACP program for multiple users. According to the FCC regulation, only one member will receive Simple Mobile ACP benefits like the EBB program. Even Simple Mobile ACP benefit is restricted to receiving benefits from one provider at a time. so, this benefit is non-transferable.
Final Thoughts
Since the FCC defines the ACP program eligibility, Mediacom can only provide the service. But the service we are talking about will be the best regarding the speed as Mediacom commits to its users. It’s great that Mediacom extended its support to help families and individuals who are struggling to afford broadband internet due to income loss. And the good part is that Mediacom’s previous experience of delivering high-speed broadband will surely enhance and boost the program. In 2021, Mediacom enrolled 13,000 households in the EBB program. Currently, this company is assisting its EBB customers in transitioning to ACP.