ACP Free & Discounted Internet

What is the ACP Types of Broadband What Internet Speed do I Need? ACP Participating Internet Providers

What is the ACP

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

It is possible to change ACP providers by contacting a new provider and informing them that you would like to transfer your ACP services. If you already got a discounted device you will not be able to get another one, even if you transfer your service to a new provider.

Learn how to apply.

See the City of Albuquerque's ACP flier.

Types of Broadband

Cite https://www.fcc.gov/general/types-broadband-connections

Fiber: Fiber transmits data at speeds far exceeding current DSL or cable modem speeds, typically by tens or even hundreds of Mbps. Fiber optic technology converts electrical signals carrying data to light and sends the light through transparent glass fibers about the diameter of a human hair.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): DSL-based broadband provides transmission speeds ranging from several hundred Kbps to millions of bits per second (Mbps). DSL is a wireline transmission technology that transmits data faster over traditional copper telephone lines already installed to homes and businesses.

Cable Modems: Cable modems are external devices that provide speeds of 1.5 Mbps or more. Speeds vary depending on the option selected from your cable provider, the cable modem, and traffic. Cable modems allow for data transmission on the same coaxial cables used by cable companies to send pictures and sound to your television.

Wireless: Wireless technologies using longer-range directional equipment provide broadband service in remote or sparsely populated areas where DSL or cable modem service would be costly to provide. Speeds are generally comparable to DSL and cable modem. An external antenna is usually required. Wireless broadband connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service provider’s facility. Wireless broadband can be mobile or fixed.

Satellite: Typically a consumer can expect to receive (download) at a speed of about 500 Kbps and send (upload) at a speed of about 80 Kbps. These speeds may be slower than DSL and cable modem, but they are about 10 times faster than the download speed with dial-up Internet access. Just as satellites orbiting the earth provide necessary links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for broadband. Satellite broadband is another form of wireless broadband, and is also useful for serving remote or sparsely populated areas. Service can be disrupted in extreme weather conditions. 

Broadband over powerlines (BPL): BPL speeds are comparable to DSL and cable modem speeds. BPL is the delivery of broadband over the existing low- and medium-voltage electric power distribution network. BPL can be provided to homes using existing electrical connections and outlets. BPL is an emerging technology that is available in very limited areas. It has significant potential because power lines are installed virtually everywhere, alleviating the need to build new broadband facilities for every customer.

Cellular: Internet on your mobile device.

What Internet Speeds do I Need?

The more demanding the application you are using and the more users, and devices you have connected to your internet at the same time, the more speed you will need. If you do not have a lot of people or devices connected to your internet at the same time you will not need to pay for as much speed.

Find internet providers in my neighborhood.

ACP Participating Internet Service Providers

Find ACP participating internet providers by zip code.