FCC Issues Official Wind-Down Order for ACP; Last Day to Register February 7, 2024
On January 11, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an official wind-down order and guidance for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The full order can be found here: https://www.fcc.gov/document/affordable-connectivity-program-end-soon-barring-congressional-action-0
Because the program is running out of funding and Congress has yet to establish additional funds to continue the ACP, the FCC will stop accepting new enrollees on February 7, 2024 at 11:59pm. This means February 7 is the last day West Virginians can enroll in the ACP. The FCC must announce the final full month of ACP coverage 60 days prior to the program’s final month. The projected final month of ACP benefits is April 2024. This means that April would be the last month households would receive the full $30 discount on their monthly internet bill.
Internet service providers should begin notifying customers about the end of the program on January 25, 2024. The Office of Broadband encourages West Virginians currently enrolled in the ACP to contact their internet service provider to confirm they want to continue or discontinue their service after the end of the program.
More consumer information can be found here: https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-consumer-faq
FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for high-speed internet service and internet connected devices.
If your household is eligible, you could receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
- A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP*
Receive Your Benefit
Check If You Qualify
See if your household fits into any eligible categories
Apply for the ACP
You can apply online, by mail, or by contacting your current internet company.
Are you already enrolled in Lifeline? You don’t need to apply again – click here to learn more.
Find a Company Near You
Use our search tool to find a company that offers ACP discounts.
Statewide Listening Sessions
- The core team has considered numerous ways to engage a large and diverse group of stakeholders, including individuals, groups, and organizations involved in, impacted by, or interested in advancing high-speed internet efforts, regardless of sector, and have settled upon listening sessions led by the Regional Planning and Development Councils (RPDCs).
- The RPDCs will lead 11 listening sessions, which will be focused on community members, especially those with lived experiences of being disconnected and underconnected.
- We have created a comment form to allow residents to provide input and ongoing feedback on the development of the State Digital Equity Plan and Five-Year Action Plan and implementation of the programs as a whole.
Digital Equity Asset Inventory
- There are already multiple programs across the state aimed at helping disconnected individuals access the internet or gain the skills necessary to use the internet. The Internet for All West Virginians Initiative is amassing a library of these resources and will make it available to the public on this website when completed.
WEST VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL CONSUMER COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The West Virginia Office of Broadband has coordinated with the West Virginia Attorney General Consumer Complaint Division to establish procedures for consumer complaints related to broadband service, pursuant to W.Va. Code §31G-1A-2(b)(9).
Consumers who believe that they have been the victim of unlawful practices in the purchases of goods and services are first encouraged to fill out the appropriate form and return it to the West Virginia Attorney General’s (WVAGO’s) Consumer Protection Division. The office provides three options for submitting complaints:
- Option 1: Download and print the forms, complete and mail (with any copies of documents related to the complaint) to: Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, P.O. Box 1789, Charleston, WV 25326-1789.
- Option 2: Download and fill out the appropriate PDF form and email the form and any additional documents related to the complaint in PDF format to complaint@wvago.gov. (25MB limit on attachments)
- Option 3: Complete an online version of the General Consumer Complaint form.
Individuals who need assistance may call the WVAGO Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-368-8808. Clicking the links below will download a PDF of the form in a separate tab.