ACP Free Tablet Update: The Program Has Ended
The Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer providing ACP broadband or device benefits. ACP ended on June 1, 2024 after additional funding was not provided by Congress. That means consumers cannot currently enroll in ACP to receive an ACP tablet discount.
Can you still get an ACP free tablet?
Not through the former ACP benefit. The program has ended, so old ACP eligibility does not create a current monthly broadband discount or connected device discount.
New ACP enrollment is closed
Consumers cannot currently submit a legitimate new ACP application to start receiving the former federal benefit.
The ACP device discount ended too
The one-time connected-device discount was part of ACP. When the program ended, that federal ACP device benefit ended with it.
Other free tablet offers may still exist
A provider or another assistance program may have a current free or discounted tablet offer, but it should not be presented as an active ACP benefit.
ACP tablet program timeline
Old webpages can make ACP look current because the program operated for several years. The dates help separate historical offers from benefits that are available today.
ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Affordable Connectivity Program became the successor to the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
New enrollments stopped
ACP entered its wind-down after funding was running out and new consumer enrollments were frozen.
Last fully funded service month
April was the program’s final fully funded service month before the remaining funding was exhausted.
ACP ended
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program officially ended because additional funding was not provided.
ACP is not an active consumer benefit
Do not submit personal information to a website simply because it still uses an old “Apply for ACP” message.
What the Affordable Connectivity Program used to provide
Understanding the old benefit explains why so many webpages still contain phrases such as “ACP free tablet.” These benefits are historical and should not be advertised as currently available.
Up to $30 per month
Eligible households could receive up to $30 per month toward qualifying broadband service.
Up to $75 per month
Eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands could receive enhanced monthly broadband support of up to $75.
One-time device discount
Participating providers could offer a one-time discount of up to $100 toward an eligible laptop, desktop computer or tablet.
Was an ACP free tablet actually free?
Under the federal ACP connected-device rules, the household had to make a contribution of more than $10 but less than $50 toward the eligible device. The provider could then receive reimbursement of up to $100.
This means the phrase “ACP free tablet” was often used loosely in search results and advertising. The statutory ACP connected-device benefit itself required a consumer contribution; it was a discount, not a guaranteed $0 tablet.
What changed for people looking for a free government tablet?
The search phrase still exists, but the program behind many old ACP tablet pages no longer does. Current device offers need to be evaluated on their own terms.
Eligible households could obtain a qualifying connected device through a participating ACP provider under the program’s device rules.
A tablet advertised today must come from another provider promotion, assistance program or other source.
Publication dates, cached search results and outdated provider marketing can make an ended benefit look active.
Do not assume that every low-income tablet offer is still funded through ACP.
Lifeline did not end with ACP
ACP and Lifeline were separate federal programs. ACP ended, while Lifeline continues to support qualifying phone or internet service. Lifeline itself still does not guarantee a free tablet.
Read the Lifeline free tablet guide →Do not rename a Lifeline offer “ACP”
If a provider currently offers Lifeline service and a tablet promotion, describe it according to the provider’s current terms. ACP eligibility or ACP branding should not be used to make an ended program look active.
Check current free tablet providers instead of old ACP offers
Identify the current program
Find out whether the offer is connected with Lifeline, another assistance initiative or the provider’s own promotion.
Check location
Confirm that the provider serves your address rather than relying on a general nationwide advertisement.
Check the device
Verify model, condition, current stock and whether the provider can substitute another tablet.
Check the complete price
A current provider promotion may have different device, service, activation or shipping costs from the old ACP benefit.
Watch for websites still advertising ACP applications
The FCC has warned consumers that some websites and provider materials continued advertising ACP after the program ended. Treat a current “ACP enrollment” claim as something that needs immediate verification.
“Apply for ACP now”
ACP is not currently open for new consumer enrollment, so an active ACP application claim is outdated or misleading.
“Guaranteed ACP tablet”
The former device benefit ended with ACP and was not a guaranteed $0 tablet benefit even while the program was active.
Personal information first
Do not provide sensitive application information merely because a page uses official-looking ACP terminology or government-style graphics.
Check the official Affordable Connectivity Program record
USAC’s current ACP page confirms the program’s previous broadband and device benefits and states that the program ended on June 1, 2024 because of a lack of additional funding from Congress.
ACP Free Tablet FAQs
Is the ACP free tablet program still available?
No. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024 after additional funding was not provided by Congress. Consumers cannot currently enroll for an ACP broadband or device benefit.
Did ACP actually provide free tablets?
ACP provided a one-time connected-device discount of up to $100 through participating providers. The household was required to contribute more than $10 but less than $50 toward the device, so the federal ACP device benefit itself was not a guaranteed $0 tablet.
When did ACP end?
ACP officially ended on June 1, 2024. April 2024 was the program’s last fully funded service month.
Why did ACP end?
The program ended after its available funding was exhausted and Congress did not provide additional funding to continue the benefit.
Can I still submit an ACP application?
No legitimate new ACP consumer enrollment is currently available. Be cautious with websites that still present an active ACP application form.
Is Lifeline the same as ACP?
No. They are separate programs. ACP ended, while Lifeline continues to support qualifying phone or internet service. Lifeline does not automatically guarantee a free tablet.
Can I still get a free government tablet after ACP?
A provider or another legitimate assistance program may still have a free or discounted tablet offer. That offer must be checked independently and should not be described as an active ACP benefit.
What should I do if a website says ACP is open?
Verify the claim against current official program information before entering personal information. ACP is currently ended, so a website presenting active enrollment information may be outdated or misleading.
ACP ended. Current tablet offers must stand on their own.
If you are searching for an ACP free tablet or free government tablet today, do not follow an old ACP application. Identify the current program, verify the provider and check the actual free tablet terms before sharing information.
