Affordable Connectivity Program

IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has notified TDS® that funding for the affordable connectivity program (ACP) may reach its end in April or May of this year, if Congress does not authorize immediate additional funding.

What’s happening?

Without additional funding from Congress, the FCC anticipates that the current ACP funding is projected to run out in April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change. As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind down the ACP, which means:

  • No new ACP enrollments are being accepted (as of Feb. 8, 2024)
  • Households currently enrolled in ACP will continue to receive their ACP benefit until ACP funds run out as long as the household remains enrolled and eligible for the benefit.
  • When ACP funds run out, households participating in the ACP will no longer receive the ACP discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions for ACP households:

Q: Why is this credit/program ending?

A: When ACP was originally created, Congress provided $14.2B for the program. There was hope by many that the program would receive additional funding so it could continue long term. While there is still a small possibility of that happening,  the FCC and providers are now having to plan for the likelihood that it won’t receive additional funding.

Q: What will I pay after the program winds down?

A: The ACP credit on your bill will be going away. If you continue with your current services, your bill will be whatever you are paying today, less that credit. However, you’re allowed to make changes or cancel service at any time without penalty.

Q: When will the credit be removed?

A: Barring any additional funding that extends the program, we believe the ACP credit will continue through your April bill, and it will be removed after that. Additional communications will be sent as we learn more from the FCC and finalize the credit removal plans.

Q: Now that I will not be receiving the ACP credit, can I change my service to a less expensive plan?

A: You may choose to change your service to a less expensive option, such as TDS Connect, if available. Call 844-203-5055 to learn more.

Q: When will I know for sure if the program is ending?

A: At this point we’re working under the expectation that it is, but if additional funding is provided for the program, the FCC will provide additional guidance and we’ll send additional communications as we know more.

Q: How will I be notified officially that the program has ended?

A: TDS will send three (3) required written or email notices to ACP households:

  • The first was sent on January 25, 2024
  • The second will be within 14 days after announcement by the FCC of the last fully funded month of the ACP; and
  • The third will be simultaneous with the last bill/billing cycle in which the full ACP benefit is applied before the program ends.

For more information about the status of the program, visit the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program site.

Affordable Connectivity Program: The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides qualifying customers a monthly discount up to $30 ($75 in tribal areas) towards broadband internet service. Visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/ for qualifications details and to apply. Approval and eligibility decided by the FCC/USAC. Discount applied within 1-2 bill cycles after signup and ACP enrollment. The ACP discount is non-transferable and limited to one monthly internet discount per household. Customers may cancel at any time without a termination fee. The ACP is a federal government benefit program operated by the FCC and, if the Program ends, or when a household is no longer eligible, you will be subject to TDS’s regular rates, terms, and conditions.

High-Speed Internet: Availability varies and speeds shown may not be available at all service addresses. Certain speeds are only offered in areas served by TDS Fiber. Speed ranges shown are expressed as “up to” to represent network capabilities between customer location and the TDS network. Most customers can expect to receive a stable speed within the range of the product purchased as allowed by the quality and capability of the connection; however, actual speeds experienced by customers vary and are not guaranteed. Some customers may receive lower than the indicated speed range. Speeds vary due to various factors, including but not limited to: distance from switching locations, network equipment, delivery technology, and external/internal network conditions. Speed tests may produce inconsistent results due to various factors, including the speed test program or website used, the number of devices connected to the customer’s modem and whether the speed test is conducted over Wi-Fi. Customers that are not receiving the indicated speeds may cancel their service or downgrade to a lower-speed service without any termination or switching charges. Otherwise, a $15 service charge will apply to existing customers who switch plans without increasing speed or adding qualifying service. Additional equipment may be required and charges may apply. In order to maximize Internet speeds above 100Mbps, a compatible network interface card is required.

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