Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and Mecklenburg County’s Center for Digital Equity (CDE) are teaming up to help eligible CMS families receive a monthly discount on high-speed home internet by enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The ACP benefit makes many high-speed plans available at little to no cost and can be applied to a new or existing internet plan.
STEP 1: DETERMINE IF YOUR HOUSEHOLD IS ELIGIBLE
A household is eligible if their total income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, or
At least one member of the household receives assistance from, attends, or participates in one of the following:
- SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Tribal-specific programs;
- Free and reduced-price school meal program under the National School Lunch Program
Unsure if your student participates in NSLP? Call 980-343-6041 - One of CMS’s 68 Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Federal Pell Grant;
- A broadband provider’s existing low-income program
Use the pre-enrollment tool below to see if your household qualifies for the benefit, learn what documents you will need to apply, and connect to home internet plans that are free with the ACP in your area. Answer a few simple questions and receive a personalized checklist that saves you time when applying. It takes about 5 minutes!
Use the chat feature at any time for real-time assistance.
Note: If you choose to apply for the ACP benefit based on your student’s participation in a free or reduced-price meal program, you may need to provide qualifying documentation from the school. We can help!
STEP 2: APPLY FOR THE ACP BENEFIT
Collect
Use your GetACP checklist to collect all documentation needed to complete the application.
Create
Create your account. Provide your contact information and upload the form of identification listed in your checklist.
Complete
Upload the proof of eligibility documentation listed in your checklist to complete your application.
Need help applying for the ACP Benefit? We can assist at any point in enrollment!
STEP 3: RECEIVE CONFIRMATION
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive an email notification from USAC confirming eligibility. You can also log in to your National Verifier account at any time to check the status of your application.
Does your application require additional information? Contact the CDE to get support!
STEP 4: ENROLL IN HOME INTERNET SERVICE
Use your Application ID number, once approved, to contact a local Internet Service Provider and get connected.
What Internet Service Plan is right for your household?
Velocidades de Internet en Español
When more people share the same connection, a faster plan is needed to accommodate their devices.
How will you be using the internet?
Downloading is when the internet shares information with your computer. You’ll need higher download speeds when watching Netflix and online gaming than if you only surf the web, use social media, and do online shopping.
More day-to-day activities also require the fastest upload speeds (when our computers share information with the internet) e.g. Zoom and video/audio calls, online gaming, and sharing photos on social media.
Plans that are FREE with the ACP in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
| Spectrum – Internet Assist* | Spectrum – Internet 100 | AT&T Access | Verizon – 5G Home Internet | Metro by T-Mobile (Cellular Plan) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 30 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 85 – 300 Mbps | 5G (~150 Mbps) |
| Monthly Cost | $17.99 | $29.99 | $30 | $25 | $30 |
| Cost with ACP Benefit | FREE | FREE** | FREE | FREE | FREE |
| Best Way to Enroll | Online or Call 877.959.1748 | Online or Call 877.959.1748 | Call 866.531.0531 | Online*** | Online or Visit a T-Mobile Store |
* To be eligible for Spectrum Internet Assist, the individual must be on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or have a student eligible for free and reduced meals or attend a CEP school.
**Spectrum – Internet 100: This is an introductory period for 24 months. After 24 months, the price will increase to $9.99 with ACP and after 36 months to $19.99 with ACP. Only available to new Spectrum customers that are ACP eligible.
***Note: Needs to be paired with select mobile plans. Available in parts of Charlotte Mecklenburg.
Additional Resources
Need a computer, laptop, tablet or other connected device?
- The Affordable Connectivity Program also provides eligible households with a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
- Visit the MeckTech initiative website through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library System to see if you qualify for a FREE, refurbished laptop.
Want to improve your computer skills?
- Contact the Center for Digital Equity to grow your digital skills and improve your digital literacy. We’ll customize the learning to fit your needs! To contact the CDE, fill out this short form or call 311 and ask for a Digital Navigator.
- Sign up for a FREE Digital Literacy workshop through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library System. Topics include, but are not limited to getting started with your computer or smartphone, utilizing the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), or creating graphics using Canva.
Having basic device or internet connectivity issues?
From learning how to use a computer to reconnecting your internet after a power outage, the Center for Digital Equity can help you solve any issues related to your digital device or internet connection. To get in contact, fill out this short form or call 311 and ask for a Digital Navigator.
Please note that the Center for Digital Equity uses both internal staff and verified partners to respond to ticket requests made to our Digital Navigator Service.