How Do I Maintain My ACP Phone Service After It’s Ending?

With the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) coming to an end, many customers are concerned about how to maintain their phone service. This comprehensive guide outlines all your options for continuing service after the ACP benefit ends, including special transition offers, alternative assistance programs, and ways to minimize cost increases.

Understanding the End of the ACP Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program was a government benefit program that helped ensure households could afford the internet connections they need. Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP program is winding down according to a structured process.

What the ACP Provided

The ACP offered eligible households:

• A discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service
• A discount of up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment)

Why the Program is Ending

The ACP was established as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with an initial allocation of $14.2 billion. This funding has been depleted, and Congress has not approved additional funding to continue the program. The FCC announced the official wind-down plan on February 8, 2025.

Impact on Subscribers

The end of the ACP will affect millions of subscribers nationwide who relied on this discount for affordable connectivity. For AirTalk Wireless customers, this means:

• Monthly service costs will increase as the ACP discount is removed
• Service plans may change to reflect standard pricing
• Data allocations may be adjusted on certain plans
• Equipment installment plans may require full payment if they were subsidized by ACP

Timeline for Service Transitions

Understanding the key dates for the ACP wind-down will help you prepare for the transition:

Official Wind-Down Schedule

Important Notices

AirTalk Wireless is sending multiple communications to all ACP subscribers:

• 60-day notice: Detailed explanation of program end and options (sent early March)
• 30-day notice: Reminder of approaching changes with transition support (sent early April)
• Final notice: Service plan change confirmation and next steps (sent mid-May)

What to Do Now

Take these proactive steps to prepare for the transition:

1. Review your current service plan and usage patterns
2. Explore all available options (detailed below)
3. Make a decision before May 15 to ensure a smooth transition
4. Contact AirTalk customer service with any questions

Options for Maintaining Your Service

After the ACP ends, you have several options for maintaining your phone service:

1. Lifeline Program Transition

If you qualify for the Lifeline program (which remains funded), you can transition to this government benefit:

• Monthly discount on phone or internet service ($9.25/month standard, $34.25/month for Tribal lands)
• Free smartphone for eligible customers
• Basic service plan at no cost to qualified individuals

Eligibility: You qualify if your income is at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines or you participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits.

2. AirTalk Value Plans

AirTalk offers special value plans designed specifically for former ACP customers:

All value plans include 3 months at introductory rates ($5 off listed prices).

3. Prepaid Options

Consider switching to a prepaid plan with AirTalk or another carrier:

Benefits of prepaid plans:

• No credit checks
• No contracts
• No surprise fees
• Pay only for what you need
• Ability to change plans month-to-month

AirTalk prepaid options start at $10/month for basic service.

4. Family Plan Addition

If you have family members with a mobile plan, consider being added to their plan:

• Many carriers offer discounted lines for additional family members
• Shared data plans can be more economical
• Family plans often include perks like streaming service subscriptions
• Multi-line discounts typically increase with each line added

5. Low-Income Internet Programs from ISPs

Many internet service providers offer their own low-income programs independent of government funding:

• Comcast Internet Essentials ($9.95/month)
• AT&T Access ($10/month)
• Spectrum Internet Assist ($14.99/month)
• T-Mobile Connect ($15/month)

Special Transition Programs from AirTalk

To help customers through this transition, AirTalk Wireless has created several special offers:

ACP Transition Credit

All current ACP customers who maintain service with AirTalk will receive:

• $10 monthly bill credit for 3 months
• Waived activation fees when switching to a new plan
• One-time $15 loyalty bonus after 90 days on a new plan

Device Payment Relief

For customers with device payment plans:

• Extended payment terms (up to 36 months with 0% interest)
• Payment pause option for up to 3 months
• One-time payment reduction of $30 for qualified customers

Data Rollover Benefit

Customers transitioning to value plans will receive:

• 90-day data rollover (unused data carries forward)
• Data boost weekends (unlimited data on weekends for first 60 days)
• Hotspot capability included at no extra charge

Customer Support Extensions

Special support for transitioning customers:

• Dedicated transition specialists available by phone
• Extended customer service hours during transition months
• In-person assistance at all retail locations
• Virtual consultations available by appointment

Financial Assistance Alternatives

Beyond direct phone service options, consider these programs that may help offset your overall budget:

Temporary Assistance Programs

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Help with energy bills
• Emergency Broadband Benefit Recovery Program: Temporary local initiatives in some states
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Cash assistance for eligible families
• Community Action Agencies: Local organizations offering various types of assistance

Non-Profit and Charitable Options

Several organizations offer assistance with communications expenses:

• PCs for People: Discounted devices and internet
• EveryoneOn: Connects low-income families with affordable internet
• Human-I-T: Provides technology access and digital skills training
• Local community foundations: Many offer technology assistance grants

Employer and Educational Benefits

Check for benefits that may be available through:

• Employer discount programs with major carriers
• Student discounts through colleges and universities
• Professional association memberships that include telecom benefits
• Job training programs that may include communications stipends

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my service be disconnected when ACP ends?

No, your service will not be automatically disconnected. However, your bill will increase to reflect the standard rate without the ACP discount unless you select a new plan or qualify for other assistance programs like Lifeline.

Can I keep my current phone after ACP ends?

Yes, if your phone is fully paid off or if you continue making any remaining payments, you can keep your current device. If you received your phone as part of the ACP connected device benefit with a co-payment, the phone is yours to keep regardless of what plan you choose going forward.

What happens to my current phone number?

Your phone number will remain the same regardless of which new plan option you choose, as long as you maintain service with AirTalk Wireless or properly transfer your number to a new provider.

How do I apply for the Lifeline program?

If you think you may qualify for Lifeline, you can:

1. Visit AirTalk’s Lifeline Portal
2. Complete the National Verifier application
3. Provide required documentation
4. Receive a qualification decision (typically within 48 hours)
5. Select a Lifeline plan

Is there any chance the ACP will be extended?

While there have been some congressional efforts to extend the program, no additional funding has been approved at this time. AirTalk Wireless is monitoring the situation closely and will notify customers immediately if there are any developments regarding program extension or replacement.

Can I combine multiple discounts or programs?

Yes, in some cases. For example, if you qualify for Lifeline, you can apply that benefit to your service plan. You may also be able to combine carrier-specific discounts with other offers. Contact AirTalk customer service for a personalized review of all available options and combinations.