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Affordable Connectivity Program Wind-Down

Enrollments End February 7, 2024

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

is no longer accepting applications and enrollments.

About this Benefit

The Affordable Connectivity Program will stop accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. Consumers must be approved and enrolled with a service provider 11:59 p.m. ET on February 7 to receive the ACP benefit. Barring Congressional action to fund ACP, funding for America’s largest broadband affordability program is expected to last through April 2024.

ACP is a longer-term replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, designed to help keep families connected to the internet. Qualified households can receive a monthly credit of up to $30/month (up to $75/month for customers in Tribal lands) towards their internet and mobile services and a one-time discount of up to $100 on a qualifying device.

Please contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Complaint Center to file a complaint by visiting https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/ or calling 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322).

*Customer may receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating provider if customer contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I sign up?

Eligible households will be able to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting acpbenefit.org.

Who is eligible for the ACP Program?

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline
  • Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Is approved to receive benefits under federal free/reduced price school lunch/breakfast program or is enrolled in a school that participates in the Community Eligibility Provision
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

Do I receive the funds directly each month?

No, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $30 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). STRATA will receive the funds directly from the ACP.

Can I sign up for the ACP if I am already a customer or if I was a customer in the past?

Yes, the benefit is available to eligible new, prior, and existing customers of participating providers.

What is Lifeline and how do I qualify?

Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs. You can see if you are eligible by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org (click “Do I Qualify?”).

Can I receive both the ACP and Lifeline benefits at the same time?

Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordability Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home broadband service that is supported through the Affordability Connectivity Program.

If I already receive Lifeline benefits, will I automatically receive the ACP?

No. You must opt-in with your existing provider or request enrollment in the Affordability Connectivity Program with a participating broadband provider and chose an eligible service plan. You can choose to receive the benefit from your current Lifeline service provider or another participating provider.

Everyone at my child’s school receives breakfast and lunch at no cost. Do we qualify?

Yes. Households with a student enrolled in a school or school district where every student receives this benefit are eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Program.

Will I be able to use the service and the device if I have a disability?

The services and devices will be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. If you have any concerns about whether your broadband service and equipment is accessible, contact the FCC’s Disability Rights office at 202-418-2517 for a voice phone call, at 844-432-2275 by videophone, or by email at DRO@fcc.gov.

How long will the ACP program last?

Congress created the ACP, which is a new, long-term $14 billion program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. You can find more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program and these changes by visiting the Federal Communications Commission website www.FCC.gov/ACP. You can also send an email to ACPQuestions@usac.org to get an email with answers to frequently asked questions.

What if I was previously enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program?

Beginning December 31, 2021, households fully enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit will receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. Within this 60- day transition period they will continue to receive their full EBB Program month benefit (up to $50 for non-Tribal) before moving to the lower (up to $30) ACP month benefit. At the end of this 60-day transition period, March 1, 2022, the EBB subscriber will be fully transitioned to the ACP unless stated otherwise. More information on this program will be made available in the coming weeks.

How much does broadband service cost?

The Affordability Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount for broadband service up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands. The discount will be applied to your broadband service, but the ultimate cost to you will depend on the eligible plan you select from a participating provider.

Can I upgrade my current plan to take advantage of the full $30 per month (or $75 per month on Tribal lands)?

You may be able to do so. Talk to STRATA about the plans they have available as part of the ACP.

If the service plan I pick is $65 per month, do I get the extra money?

No. STRATA is only reimbursed for the cost of the plan up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands.

If the plan I pick is more than the monthly discount for broadband service, do I pay the extra myself?

Yes. You are responsible for any amount over $30 per month (or over $75 per month on Tribal lands) for broadband service under the Affordable Connectivity Program.

How does the $100 device benefit work?

STRATA customers enrolled in the ACP can purchase the Lenovo Tab M8 tablet and the ACP funds will reduce the cost of that device by $100. To take advantage of this benefit, you must contribute the remaining portion of the cost.

When can I sign up?

Eligible households will be able to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting acpbenefit.org.

Who is eligible for the ACP Program?

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline
  • Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Is approved to receive benefits under federal free/reduced price school lunch/breakfast program or is enrolled in a school that participates in the Community Eligibility Provision
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

Do I receive the funds directly each month?

No, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $30 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). STRATA will receive the funds directly from the ACP.

Can I sign up for the ACP if I am already a customer or if I was a customer in the past?

Yes, the benefit is available to eligible new, prior, and existing customers of participating providers.

What is Lifeline and how do I qualify?

Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs. You can see if you are eligible by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org (click “Do I Qualify?”).

Can I receive both the ACP and Lifeline benefits at the same time?

Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordability Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home broadband service that is supported through the Affordability Connectivity Program.

If I already receive Lifeline benefits, will I automatically receive the ACP?

No. You must opt-in with your existing provider or request enrollment in the Affordability Connectivity Program with a participating broadband provider and chose an eligible service plan. You can choose to receive the benefit from your current Lifeline service provider or another participating provider.

Everyone at my child’s school receives breakfast and lunch at no cost. Do we qualify?

Yes. Households with a student enrolled in a school or school district where every student receives this benefit are eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Program.

Will I be able to use the service and the device if I have a disability?

The services and devices will be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. If you have any concerns about whether your broadband service and equipment is accessible, contact the FCC’s Disability Rights office at 202-418-2517 for a voice phone call, at 844-432-2275 by videophone, or by email at DRO@fcc.gov.

How long will the ACP program last?

Congress created the ACP, which is a new, long-term $14 billion program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. You can find more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program and these changes by visiting the Federal Communications Commission website www.FCC.gov/ACP. You can also send an email to ACPQuestions@usac.org to get an email with answers to frequently asked questions.

What if I was previously enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program?

Beginning December 31, 2021, households fully enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit will receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. Within this 60- day transition period they will continue to receive their full EBB Program month benefit (up to $50 for non-Tribal) before moving to the lower (up to $30) ACP month benefit. At the end of this 60-day transition period, March 1, 2022, the EBB subscriber will be fully transitioned to the ACP unless stated otherwise. More information on this program will be made available in the coming weeks.

How much does broadband service cost?

The Affordability Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount for broadband service up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands. The discount will be applied to your broadband service, but the ultimate cost to you will depend on the eligible plan you select from a participating provider.

Can I upgrade my current plan to take advantage of the full $30 per month (or $75 per month on Tribal lands)?

You may be able to do so. Talk to STRATA about the plans they have available as part of the ACP.

If the service plan I pick is $65 per month, do I get the extra money?

No. STRATA is only reimbursed for the cost of the plan up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands.

If the plan I pick is more than the monthly discount for broadband service, do I pay the extra myself

Yes. You are responsible for any amount over $30 per month (or over $75 per month on Tribal lands) for broadband service under the Affordable Connectivity Program.

How does the $100 device benefit work?

STRATA customers enrolled in the ACP can purchase the Lenovo Tab M8 tablet and the ACP funds will reduce the cost of that device by $100. To take advantage of this benefit, you must contribute the remaining portion of the cost.

If my child and I are part of the same household, can we each get our own connected device through the ACP?

No. Each household is limited to a single device discount.

Lifeline customers may qualify to receive

Unlimited Talk, Text, & Data

for just $26.99/mo.

on Unlimited Prepaid*

Bundle Options

Bundle this package with wireless service & get both services for as low as $114.99/mo.*

Bundle this package with a landline for only $94.99/mo.**

*Includes price of internet package, with download speeds up to 1000 Mbps and upload speeds up to 500 Mbps, and 1st line of unlimited talk, text, and data. Each additional line is extra. Click here to learn more.

**The discounted bundle rate is only available if you subscribe to internet and landline. Taxes and fees may apply. Regular rates apply if you take the service alone.

Businesses do not qualify for these rates. Click Here to view business internet plans.

Not all speeds are available in all locations.

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Bundle Options

Bundle this package with wireless service & get both services for as low as $99.99/mo.*

Bundle this package with a landline for only $79.99/mo.**

*Includes base internet package price, with download speeds up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds up to 10 Mbps, and 1st line of unlimited talk, text, and data. Each additional line is extra. Click here to learn more.

**The discounted bundle rate is only available if you subscribe to internet and landline. Taxes and fees may apply. Regular rates apply if you take the service alone.

Businesses do not qualify for these rates.

Not all speeds are available in all locations.

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Special Offer

*Existing broadband customers who qualify for faster internet speeds can upgrade to a higher speed package for no additional charge for a 60-day period, or two billing cycles. Depending on when in the current billing cycle, the promotion is accepted, a prorated portion of the upgraded package price may be applied before the promotion takes effect. After the 60-day promotional period, increased package speeds will automatically continue, and regular package rates will be applied unless customer calls to change or cancel. Business accounts do not qualify. Actual attainable speeds vary by location. Some legacy internet plans may not be available to return to after upgrading. Offer may end at any time. May only be used once per account. Restrictions apply, see store for details.

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Terms and Conditions

After 10 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 512 Kbps while roaming. After 15 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 128 Kbps while roaming. Tethered data will be restricted to the same policy. Customers who consistently use excessive amounts of data outside of the local area may be required to select a different Strata wireless plan or be subject to different policies. For full terms and conditions, Click here

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Terms and Conditions

After 10 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 512 Kbps while roaming. After 15 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 128 Kbps while roaming. Tethered data will be restricted to the same policy. Customers who consistently use excessive amounts of data outside of the local area may be required to select a different Strata wireless plan or be subject to different policies. For full terms and conditions, Click here

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Terms and Conditions

Includes price of internet package and unlimited talk, text & data. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Maximum of 10 lines per account. Business accounts do not qualify for these rates. After 10 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 512 Kbps while roaming. After 15 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 128 Kbps while roaming. Tethered data will be restricted to the same policy. Customers who consistently use excessive amounts of data outside of the local area may be required to select a different Strata wireless plan or be subject to different policies. For full terms and conditions, Click here

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Special Offer (Valid Nov. 29 - Dec. 31)

Get $200 when you switch to Strata.

Fine Print:
Port-in of an existing number and activation on a current wireless plan are required to qualify for the $200 switch credit. The $200 switch credit will be applied as 24 monthly bill credits toward wireless rates and has no cash value. Enrollment in paperless billing or autopay is required. Limit of 4 per account. Customers are not eligible if they have ported out of Strata’s wireless service within the last six months. May be combined with other wireless offers. Promotion may end at any time. Restrictions apply; see store for details.

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Special Offer

New STRATA internet customers pay only $29.99/mo. for their internet package for the first three months. After three months, regular rates apply. Customer must be on current internet plan and enrolled in automatic payments and/or paperless billing to qualify. Residential accounts only. Leased equipment and add-on services may be extra. Upon initiation of service, customer may be subject to connect fees and/or service deposits. Customers who have disconnected internet service with STRATA within the last three months are not eligible for promotion. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Promotion may end at any time. Restrictions apply, see store for details.

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Special Offer

New Strata internet customers pay only $29.99/mo. for their internet package for the first three months. After three months, regular rates apply. Customer must be on current internet plan and enrolled in automatic payments and/or paperless billing to qualify. Residential accounts only. Leased equipment and add-on services may be extra. Upon initiation of service, customer may be subject to connect fees and/or service deposits. Customers who have disconnected internet service with Strata within the last three months are not eligible for promotion. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Promotion may end at any time. Restrictions apply, see store for details.

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Special Offer

Get the first 30 days of Preferred television plan free, or a discount equal to the price of the Preferred plan, upon new activation. Free period will begin as soon as customer submits payment information. After 30 days, subscription will automatically renew and regular pricing for selected package & add-ons will be charged to customer’s credit card each month unless subscription is cancelled before the next billing date. May only be used once per Strata account. Restrictions apply; see store for details.

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*After 10 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 512 Kbps while roaming. After 15 GB of data usage outside of our local network within a single billing period, speeds will be slowed to 128 Kbps while roaming. Tethered data will be restricted to the same policy. Customers who consistently use excessive amounts of data outside of the local area may be required to select a different Strata wireless plan or be subject to different policies. For full terms and conditions, Click here

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Up to $200 Off Select Samsung Devices

Get up to $200 off select Samsung phones when you add or upgrade a line. No trade-in required. Offer valid for the Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra when purchased on a monthly installment plan and activated on a current Strata Networks wireless plan. Discounts will be applied over 24 monthly bill credits. Credits will end, and any remaining balance is due if the customer disconnects service, is delinquent on payments, or exercises early upgrades or device payoffs before 24 months. Not an early upgrade program for existing wireless customers; the current device being upgraded may not be on an existing installment plan and must be owned by customer to receive discount. Additional taxes and fees apply. Enrollment in paperless billing or autopay is required. Offer good while supplies last and may end at any time. Limit of four per account. May be combined with other promos. Restrictions apply, see store for details.

Eligible Devices:

  • Samsung Galaxy S24
  • Samsung Galaxy S24+
  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

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February Trade-In Event – (February 2025)

Trade in your eligible smartphone and receive $300 additional credit on top of your trade-in value. Use the total discount towards the purchase of a select new phone that matches or exceeds the value of your discount.

How it works:

  1. Trade in your old phone: The trade-in value will be assessed based on your phone’s model and condition.
  2. Receive up to $300 additional credit – Your trade-in value will be stacked based on the tiered bonus structure:
    • $0 - $149 trade-in value → +$100 bonus
    • $150 - $349 trade-in value → +$200 bonus
    • $350+ trade-in value → +$300 bonus
  3. Apply the discount: Use your total discount (trade-in value + $300 credit) to lower the price of a new phone. The discount must be applied to a phone of equal or higher value than your total discount.

Fine Print:

Only one trade-in device per customer. No minimum trade-in value is required to qualify. The maximum credits applied cannot exceed the retail price of the device being purchased. Bonus trade-in credit will be applied over 24 monthly bill credits. The phone must be purchased on a monthly installment plan and an unlimited wireless package. If the customer disconnects service, becomes delinquent on payments, or exercises early upgrades or device payoffs before 24 months, credits will end, and the remaining balance is due. The trade-in device must be owned outright and not under an existing installment plan. Enrollment in autopay and paperless billing is required. Additional taxes, fees, and restrictions may apply. Offer good while supplies last and may end at any time. Limit of 4 per account. May be combined with other offers. Restrictions apply; see store for full details.

February Bonus:

Couples Stacking Perk: Customers trading in two devices on the same account will receive an additional $50 credit per line.

Singles Perk: Customers trading in a single device on an unlimited plan are eligible for a free standard phone case or charger while supplies last.

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