Affordable Connectivity Program

Learn how your household can qualify for this cost-saving internet service benefit program.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a discount on monthly internet bills for qualifying low-income households. It replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), which ended on December 31, 2021.

Palmerton Telephone Company is participating in this program and eligible households can receive up to a $30/month discount towards their DSL internet service. Only one monthly service discount is allowed per household. Please note, Palmerton Telephone is not participating in the one-time discount towards the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

Before you apply, it is important to understand that in the event the Affordable Connectivity Program is discontinued, the up to a $30/month discount would end.

Who is Eligible for the ACP?

Your household qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program if it has an income at or below 200% of the 2021 federal poverty guidelines OR any member of the household:

• Participates in Federal Assistance Programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
• Currently receive a Lifeline benefit.
• Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
• Received approval for benefits under the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year.

Only one monthly service discount is allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

Which Services are Included under the ACP?

The Affordable Connectivity Program offers eligible households up to a $30/month discount towards their Palmerton Telephone DSL internet service. Customers will be responsible for additional equipment, taxes, fees, and/or overage charges and for any amount in excess of $30. The up to a $30/month discount for ACP eligible households can be applied towards any internet speed.

Visit the DSL page of our website for full service rate details. Actual speeds may vary; stated speeds are up to subscribed to/stated speed and are not guaranteed.

To Apply For the ACP

Please follow these three easy steps.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

To confirm you are eligible to receive this benefit, you will first need to apply with USAC and receive confirmation that your application has been approved. This step must be completed on your own; Palmerton Telephone cannot do this step for you. Please go to ACPBenefit.org to apply online.

After you submit an application, USAC will share the results with you. If you apply online, you may receive an immediate approval. If you apply via mail, there may be a delay receiving approval.

Step 2: Apply with Palmerton Telephone Company

After you receive your eligibility approval confirmation from USAC, Palmerton Telephone is here to help you complete the final steps of the application process! Simply fill out our ACP online form and submit your request. Please be sure to fill out all of the required fields and include valid contact information so there are no delays. A Palmerton Telephone representative will be in contact with you shortly.

You can also reach us directly by calling 610-826-6650, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

Step 3: Sign Agreement

To complete the enrollment process, you will be required to sign an acknowledgement of the terms and conditions of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Within this agreement, you will be asked to confirm if you wish to continue receiving Palmerton Telephone’s DSL internet service in the event the Affordable Connectivity Program is discontinued. Click here to download for the agreement and email it back to us at: ptcbusinessoffice@ptelco.com

Need Assistance with the Affordable Connectivity Program?

For general ACP questions or how to enroll through Palmerton Telephone, please call 610-826-6650, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The following resources are available through the FCC in the event you need to contact them:
FCC Contact Number: 888-225-5322
Consumer Complaint Center: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov