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EBB VS ACP: Understanding the Difference

June 22, 2023

When people need government assistance, two things happen. People research what they need and then get inundated with many programs they may or may not qualify for. There are many routes an individual can take, but at times, it gets overwhelming.

At iWhoopConnect, we want to review the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Our desire is to guide you to the right program so you don’t waste your time going through numerous amounts of information to find the correct answer. For instance, the ACP replaced the EBB. As of now, the EBB program does not exist.

If you are looking for a government benefit service to help pay for your internet service, then you can with Whoop Connect. However, you must apply to see if you qualify. If you need help with the application process, we have a guide to help you apply for a Whoop Connect tablet.

What’s the EBB Program

The EBB Program, or Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, was a temporary federal initiative in the United States. It was designed to help low-income households afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program aimed to ensure that eligible households have access to critical online resources for work, education, healthcare, and communication. However, the ACP replaced the EBB program on December 31, 2021, but fully transitioned all its enrollees to the ACP on March 01, 2022, and disbanded the program.

What is the ACP

The ACP is a public benefit program designed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to replace the EBB. The ACP helps to ensure that qualifying households afford internet services. Internet services have become a necessity for our society to function properly. People who can’t afford Internet services will be socially and economically left behind. The ACP has the advantage of providing relief to those in need who participate in the program.

What Does the ACP Offer

The program provides a discount of $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. For households that reside on qualifying Tribal lands, the amount is increased to $75 per month. However, what good is internet service without a device? The ACP offers a one-time discount of $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop, or tablet. It’s important to note that the ACP is limited to one monthly service and one device per household.

Who is Eligible for the ACP

As great as the ACP benefit is, strict eligibility requirements must be met to participate. Luckily, many individuals or households can qualify for the ACP in many ways. The most common way to qualify is if your income is 200% below the Federal Poverty. However, you may be eligible if you or someone in your household meets the criteria below.

Have you received:

Federal Pell Grant for the current award year?
Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
Snap
Medicaid
Federal Housing
Supplemental Security Income
WIC
Veteran Pension or Survivor Benefits
Lifeline

Do you participate in one of these programs:

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
TANF
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Tribal Head Start

How Does the ACP Tie Into Whoop Connect

Whoop Connect has partnered with the ACP. The ACP is a beautiful program that helps many qualifying families around the United States. However, Whoop Connect saw an opportunity to provide eligible families with a high-quality tablet and free talk, text, and data (up to 15GB) every month at no extra charge.

The only catch is that you must pay a one-time $11 copay. And that’s it; Whoop Connect is a legit company looking to help people get and stay connected. So, what are you waiting for? Apply for a Whoop tablet to see if you qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will the ACP Last?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a long-term, $14 billion program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP). Currently, the ACP has no end date and will remain in effect until all funds are exhausted.

Can You Bring Your Own Device for the ACP Program?

Yes, but the device must be compatible. You’ll need to find your tablet ID. It’s either on the back of your device or in the About section of your device. You can then type the number in the space bar here and hit continue to see if it will work.