As a communication tool, the internet is the greatest and the most effective way in the world. Without the internet, this planet is like nothing to us. But, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lifestyle has been changing across the world. Many people have lost their job, property, business, and other income sources, and maintaining a balanced life is getting harder. It is also hard to manage internet facilities, especially for low-income households.
The government came forward with the discounted internet facility named EBB (emergency broadband benefit). Millions of households enjoyed and got benefited from EBB in 2021. After it expired on the 31st December 2021 the federal government initiated a new program named ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program). This program is also designed to facilitate households who are struggling to maintain internet services due to their financial struggles. With ACP, now people can stay connected with their jobs, classrooms, businesses, health, and other services. Like other providers, T-Mobile and MetroPCS by T-Mobile are the participants in the Federation of Communications Commission’s (FCC) temporary ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program).
T-Mobile is the largest, fastest, and most reliable network provider in the USA. With its wide range of services, MetroPCS owned by T-Mobile is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by FCC. Through this program, low-income households can continue to stay connected to the internet and their broadband-based services. Here, we are going to provide more information about the T-Mobile family and the MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program benefits.
What is MetroPCS’s Affordable Connectivity Program?
T-Mobile is America’s largest and most reliable network provider that ensures nationwide 5G network connectivity to all. The company always comes forward with value and state-of-the-art technologies. It provides the best possible services in wireless and beyond. T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, and Sprint. Please visit https://www.t-mobile.com/ to know more.
Being the parent company of MetroPCS since 2013, T-Mobile comes with the facilities of unlimited high-speed data, streaming video, cloud storage, and more. MetroPCS is also known as Metro by T-Mobile or simply as Metro and offers several plans for their customers along with EBB and ACP to help low-income households to continue their virtual offices, online classes, health facilities, and other services. Like EBB, ACP is a temporary solution by giving you the biggest discount on your monthly internet balance.
Under this program, eligible households can get up to a $30 monthly discount and up to a $75 monthly discount which is only applicable for people living in tribal lands. Eligible consumers can obtain Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) services from any of the participating providers and are applicable to transfer the ACP benefits to another provider at any time. Since ACP is an extension of the EBB program, once the EBB ends you have a choice to either stop or continue with permanent ACP. There are some general terms and conditions, read more about to know at fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
What are the MetroPCS data plans and pricing?
Metro by T-Mobile offers broadband internet access for devices with 2G, 4G, and 5G broadband networks. Their plans include access to the technologies, features, and services that you will get when you activate. You may have temporary access to new services which may end at any time. Metro by T-Mobile plans includes a video optimization feature that delivers a DVD quality (up to 1.5 MBPS, typically 480p) video experience whenever you connect to the network. There is an additional charge to add the HD version. Customers may also choose the legacy plan that enables “Data Maximizer” to get high-speed data for a longer time. To know more about price, terms, and conditions, please see “metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/plans”.
Why should you choose the MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
T-Mobile is proud to participate in the new and permanent ACP in continuation of the FCC Broadband Benefit program which offers temporary payment assistance on internet services to eligible customers. There are a plethora of cost-effective broadband plans under the T-Mobile and Metro brands. T-Mobile recently launched the “Project 10 Million” to help every unconnected student and household to bring them into the network. The ACP holds the promise of helping to connect consumers to essential broadband services. Metro by T-Mobile Broadband Internet Service provides the 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. There are several plans eligible for ACP at T-Mobile. To know more about the rate plan and eligibility, talk to the customer care department at www.metrobyt-mobile.com by calling 1-888-8METRO8 or 611 from your device.
Does MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program cover all areas?
T-Mobile, the parent company of MetroPCS covers almost every corner of the US with its strong and vast network. MetroPCS subscribers also get this network coverage of T-Mobile. Similarly, MetroPCS ACP subscribers also get access to this standard service and equal network benefits. But MetroPCS ACP beneficiaries living in rural areas may indeed get lesser benefits than the people who are living in the urban areas. It’s because there is limited access to MetroPCS stores. But the subscribers will get reliable and excellent network coverage across the country.
Who are the eligible households for MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit?
According to the FCC, there are some eligibility points for the applicant families known as eligibility criteria. You may qualify for the MetroPCS ACP discount if any of your household members meet one of the FCC criteria. The criteria are specified based on two factors. One is your income status and another one is the government assistance program membership. Each category has different criteria and applicants have to meet any of them to be in the MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program. Some small business accounts are eligible if they register with a social security number. The FCC set the qualification criteria are:
- The applicant will be eligible for MetroPCS ACP if the household’s income is below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- If the household has participation in certain assistance programs: SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistant program), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Federal public housing assistance, Veterans survivor Pensions Benefits Fund, and more)
- If the household is under the federal free or reduced-price lunch and breakfast program
- If anyone receives Federal Pell Grant in current years
- If the participant is under one of the Tribal programs- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance program, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance, Head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation (FDPIR).
- Someone who lost a job or was furloughed during this pandemic can apply as an eligible. To be eligible for this discount program your total income in 2020 should be below or equal to $99,000 as a single filer. For joint filers, this total income range is a maximum of $198,000.
How to check if you qualify for MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity ProgramBenefit?
The National Verifier will determine the eligibility, the T-Mobile doesn’t determine it. You will get an SMS or email from T-Mobile after contacting the National Verifier. The SMS will state that “Your enrollment has been approved and your ACP discount will be applied to your account within 1 or 2 billing cycles” if you qualify. Once your ACP discount has been applied to your account then T-Mobile will notify you. Although the EBB program was temporary, the ACP is going to be permanent as the news says. So, whenever your EBB ends, T-Mobile should notify you beforehand of the termination and you can renew it by enrolling into the ACP.
How to enroll in the MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity ProgramBenefit?
First, go to the website “metrobyt-mobile.com/affordable-connectivity-program”, there are certain steps you should follow to enroll.
- Follow the link and fill out the form.
- Check if you are eligible or not.
- If you are verified and eligible for this program then you need to complete your ACP enrollment application.
- input 8-digit account Pin or answer security question
- Signup
- Make sure you fill out the form in the same way
What Can I get from MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program?
You will get a lot of benefits from the MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program. Here are some benefits includes:
Free tablets
Fortunately, ACP subscribers can get free tablets with a variety of models. Those tablets come with all the essential features such as a quality camera, high-resolution screen, ample memory storage, Wi-Fi facility, and others. Internet usage is convenient with these quality tablets. MetroPCS provides both new and refurbished tablets for ACP customers.
Free Cell phone services
If you qualify for the MetroPCS ACP benefit, you can receive free cell phone service. But first, make sure MetroPCS is available in your area. Because service plans vary depending on the state or area you live in. There are also talk text and data plans for the ACP beneficiaries.
Free Laptops
The program provides you with a voucher that you can use at selected laptop stores. Students get priority to receive a free laptop so that they can get benefitted while studying and researching. Every free laptop has all the advanced features including high RAM, a high-resolution screen, ample battery, and many more. You have to co-pay some dollars to the $100 voucher for getting an ACP-free laptop.
Free internet
Free internet with a free laptop from the MetroPCS ACP solves all the communicational issues. If you can consume monthly internet within $30 then the whole package is free for you. MetroPCS uses the fiber optic-based network to ensure fast and uninterruptible internet.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)
How long does it take to get approval for MetroPCS ACP benefits?
MetroPCS reviews your application obeying the FCC guidelines and also MetroPCS’s own rules. MetroPCS will email the applicant to the status of regarding the updated status of the application including the additional information and documentation. We advise you to keep checking your inbox every while. Whenever MetroPCS approves you for the Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit, the monthly discount will be added within the next two billing cycles.
How long will the MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program benefit last?
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimate, the MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit will last for at least six months. It will end after the Department of Health service declares the emergency over. But MetroPCS will notify its ACP customers before the program is terminated.
What happens when the MetroPCS ACP benefit Ends?
The MetroPCS Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit is temporary, and the FCC has no definite expiration date. After the MetroPCS ACP benefit ends, you will have the option to continue the plan with MetroPCS, a company that always looks after its customers. MetroPCS customer service representative will inform you about the best plan for your needs.
Can I receive both the Lifeline and the MetroPCS ACP at the same time?
The FCC guidelines permit households to receive both Lifeline and MetroPCS ACP services simultaneously. Each eligible household or individual can, however, only receive one ACP from the MetroPCS.
Final Thoughts
T-Mobile has stepped up in many ways to provide intent facilities to low-income customers. The total T-Mobile umbrella has been providing the latest technologies and services to their customers according to their demands and necessities. Along with the Federal government, T-Mobile proudly enrolled itself in this great initiative to keep eligible households connected with their activities. All the Metro plans include access to T-Mobile’s 5G internet at no extra cost. Metro by T-Mobile or MetroPCS covers more people in more areas with various plans including ACP. So for ACP, you can add Metro by T-Mobile’s broadband service to your household and after the end of this program, you will still praise the service and continue enjoying the high-speed data.
