Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.

Eligible applicants can receive up to a $30/month discount on their internet service AND 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).

You are likely eligible if:

• your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line or
• you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch.

Steps to Qualify:

1. Check to see if you qualify (by household and eligible categories).
2. Apply for the ACP (online, by mail, or by contacting your current internet provider).
3. Find an internet company near you
   • the internet service provider will provide the discount to the consumer
   • not all companies offer the Affordable Connectivity Program (search for a company here)

Locate Affordable Internet Plans, Computers, and Other Devices

ConnectLA: the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity

ConnectLA is the broadband resource in Louisiana. The Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity is housed in the Louisiana Division of Administration and strives to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2029. The ConnectLA team coordinates federal, state, and municipal efforts identifying best practices and tactics necessary in their mission and to ensure financial resources are available to address issues surrounding access, affordability, and digital literacy.

Closing the digital divide in Louisiana requires that everyone has access to affordable high-speed internet. As noted by ConnectLA, 43.6% of people or households do not have access to a low cost, high-speed internet subscription for their homes. Furthermore, ConnectLA estimates that broadband internet service can cost families between $50 and $75 per month, excluding cable or phone service. This cost can be burdensome for many Louisiana families.

ConnectLA is off to a great start!

• So far, Louisiana has awarded over $168 million through the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunites (GUMBO) grant program. These grants aim to help private providers facilitate the deployment of broadband service to unserved areas of the state.
  • July 25, 2022: $130 million in 50 parishes
  • August 31, 2022: $38 million in 10 parishes
• Louisiana is the first state to receive two planning grants ($2.9 million) funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
  • State Digital Equity (DE) Planning Grant Program

For more information about these grants, search the GUMBO Awards by parish.