Astound is the latest service provider to announce a low-income ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) replacement service. The news comes on the last day that low-income households will have some or all of the costs of broadband connectivity paid for through the federal program, which has run out of funding.
Astound’s Internet First service is available to customers who qualify for and participate in public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and other program for low-income consumers.
Eligible customers will receive the service for as low as $9.95 per month for 50 Mbps service. For $19.95 per month, those customers will be able to get 150 Mbps service.
The service will be free for the first three months for new customers. The program is available without contracts, credit checks, or installation fees. The program is also offering a free line of Astound Unlimited Mobile for one year.
The company said that it is working closely with local governments, school districts and nonprofits to help families get connected and stay connected to the internet.
The ACP paid up to $30 a month toward the cost of broadband for low-income households, so that service was effectively free for customers of carriers that offer a $30 a month service.
Other carriers, including TDS, Verizon, T-Mobile and others, have also announced ACP replacement programs.
“Astound Broadband developed Internet First so all residents can have access to affordable, reliable, fast internet to meet their daily needs,” Jim Holanda, Astound CEO, said in a prepared statement. “Internet First is a low-cost, high-quality internet program that provides peace of mind and keeps customers connected to everything that matters to them.”
