FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2023

Calhoun County Joins Nationwide

Affordable Connectivity Program Week of Action Efforts

A Calhoun County broadband study released earlier this year identified that 34 percent of households, approximately 18,000, are eligible for the benefit but only 27 percent of those are enrolled, just over 5,000. The Broadband Task Force has prioritized education about the Affordable Connectivity Plan for eligible households in the community because this is an opportunity to make internet access more affordable for residents. County staff are currently in the process of meeting with organizations countywide that have connections with eligible populations to help with this outreach effort. 

There are three ways to apply for the ACP—through a participating internet company, or through the federal ACP online or via mail. 

Through a participating internet company:  

If there’s a particular internet company that you plan to receive internet through, like Comcast or AT&T, contact them directly and ask about enrolling in their Affordable Connectivity Plan. This is the easiest way to enroll because it removes steps to participation. Each internet company has different enrollment processes, but you will likely need proof of income or proof of enrollment in an eligible program.   

Through the federal ACP online:  

To apply, households can visit getinternet.gov and follow the steps on that online application for enrollment. The nice thing about applying online is that if you qualify, you will receive the Application ID number at the end of the application process, which you can then bring to your internet service provider to demonstrate eligibility and be enrolled. 

Through the federal ACP via mail:  

To receive a paper application by mail or get help filling out the form contact ACP Support at 877-384-2575 or email ACPSupport@usac.org. The call center is open 7 days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET. 

When applying through the ACP, you will have to fill out the ACP Application Form and provide identification, such as a social security number of copy of your drivers license or passport.  

There are two ways to qualify, either through a government program or through your income. The list of qualifying government programs is listed on the side, and if enrolled in one of those, you must include documentation that proves you are enrolled in that program within the last 12 months, or with a future expiration date. Examples can include a benefit award letter, approval letter, statement of benefits, etc.  

To qualify through your income, you will need to provide a document that shows that your annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Examples of documentation include prior year’s tax returns, current income statement from your employer or 3 paycheck stubs, a Social Security statement of benefits, and more.  

Once your application is complete, you will have to fill out the Household Worksheet, which includes information on household income and members of the household. 

Then, if submitting online, you’re all set. If submitting via mail, send the application with all necessary documentation to:  

USAC ACP Support Center 

P.O. Box 9100  

Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773 

After 10-14 days, call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 and ask for the status of your application. If approved, you will be given an Application ID number. Once you have the Application ID number, contact your internet service provider to select an eligible plan and have the discount applied to your bill.

For more information, contact

Lucy Blair, Communications Director

Calhoun County Government

lblair@calhouncountymi.gov; 269-781-0926