Did you hear about the possible discontinuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? Check out our first four FAQs below to help answer some of your questions.
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Columbus, OH Update

ACP Enrollment Freeze

The FCC issued an order announcing requirements and guidance for the wind-down of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. The last full month of funding for the program is currently projected as April 2024. Enrollments for the ACP after February 7 at 11:59 p.m. ET will not be permitted. Consumers enrolled in the program before February 8, 2024, will remain eligible to receive the current monthly benefit through the last full month of funding. For all consumers currently enrolled no further action is required. Additional guidance will be provided as developments occur.

ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP)

Sparklight® is proud to participate in the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help provide fast and reliable connectivity to customers struggling to afford Internet service.

We are committed to narrowing the digital divide, and the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program aligns with our purpose of keeping customers and communities connected to loved ones, work, and school.

ABOUT THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP)

Sparklight® is proud to participate in the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help provide fast and reliable connectivity to customers struggling to afford Internet service.

We are committed to narrowing the digital divide, and the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program aligns with our purpose of keeping customers and communities connected to loved ones, work, and school.

Benefits Offered Through ACP

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Broadband service discount of up to $30/mo per eligible household.

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Broadband service discount of up to $75/mo on eligible Tribal Lands in Oklahoma.

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Available to both current and new Sparklight® Internet customers.

* At the end of the Affordable Connectivity Program, all services are subject to Sparklight's regular rates, terms and conditions.

Eligibility

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if one member of the household currently participates in one of these federal assistance programs:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Medicaid
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start
Income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
Approved for free or reduced lunch program through USDA Community Eligibility Provision
Received Pell Grant in current award year
Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

*ACP discount is non-transferable and is limited to one discount per household.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I heard the Affordable Connectivity Program is being discontinued. Is that true?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is likely to be discontinued after April 2024 due to a lack of continued government funding. Nothing has been confirmed yet. We understand the significance of the ACP in facilitating affordable internet access for individuals and families and we are committed to keeping you informed of on-going developments related to this program. Please keep an eye out for updates via email and mail from Sparklight, where we will share further information as it becomes available.
Why is the government likely discontinuing the ACP?
The FCC is likely discontinuing ACP this spring due to lack of government funding unless additional funding is renewed.
How will this affect my bill?
The potential discontinuation of the ACP will likely result in an increase to the cost of your monthly Sparklight internet service.  If the FCC officially declares the program's discontinuation, Sparklight is ready to assist you in finding the most cost-effective internet service. Sparklight offers a variety of fast, reliable and affordable internet to meet your needs.
How will I know if this program is being discontinued and I lose my ACP credit?
Sparklight is committed to keeping you informed of on-going developments related to this program. Please keep an eye out for updates via email and mail from Sparklight, where we will share further information as it becomes available.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a long-term, $14 billion program offered through the FCC, which will help low-income households pay for broadband service.
How do I know if I qualify for the new Affordable Connectivity Program?
Visit Affordable Connectivity Program for more information on if your household qualifies.
What kind of discount will I receive?
Eligible households will receive a monthly discount of up to $30/per month (or up to $75/per month on Tribal lands) on all currently offered broadband plans available through Sparklight. If the price of service does not exceed $30 (or up to $75 on Tribal lands), a customer will not receive the full $30/$75 discount.
How and when will the Affordable Connectivity Program discount be applied to my bill?
Accounts that are eligible for the ACP program and signed up through Sparklight will receive their appropriate credit of up to $30 (or up to $75/per month on Tribal lands) beginning with their next billing cycle.
How much of a credit will I receive?
Your credit will be based on the base rate for the internet service you sign up for, excluding taxes, fees, and surcharges, up to a maximum of $30 per month (or up to $75 on Tribal lands).
Are all Sparklight internet plans eligible for a discount?
Yes, all of our currently offered internet plans are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program discount.
If my service costs less than $30, will I get the full $30 credit?
No, the discount applied will be limited to your actual charges for internet service, up to a maximum of $30 (or up to $75 on Tribal lands).
I was not approved for the Affordable Connectivity Program, can I appeal?
Please follow any recommendations available at Universal Service Administrative Company, as this organization determines program eligibility.
Can I sign up for service and the Affordable Connectivity Program at the same time?
You must opt-in to receive the discount, be an active internet customer and be verified for the Affordable Connectivity Program before we can apply your discount.
If I enroll on the 4th of the current month, when will my Affordable Connectivity Program discount be applied to my bill?
Your discount will be applied to your current bill cycle.
Can I use this credit to pay down an old bill?
No. This benefit is only applicable to current monthly service costs.
Are deposits applicable to customers who qualify for the program?
Yes.