If you or your household are struggling to afford internet service, there is a federal program that may be able to help!
Eligible households can receive up to $30 per month towards their high-speed home internet service, paid for by the Affordable Connectivity Program. This discount makes some plans completely free!
Qualifying households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from eligible providers.
Application assistance is available locally! The City of Providence PVD Connects program can help you determine if you are eligible and complete your application.
Apply Online Today
Need help applying? Call the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 or email pvd311@providenceri.gov.
Appointments are available in English and Spanish at Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street, Providence, RI 02903, room 101 from 9am – 3pm Monday – Friday.
Learn if you Qualify!
There are several ways your household can qualify for the program:
- Based on your household income
- If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
- If you or anyone in your household already receives a Lifeline benefit
Want to learn if you qualify? Please contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 or email pvd311@providenceri.gov.
Help Spread the Word!
Looking for ready-to-share resources.
Download a printable, shareable flyer (English) (Spanish)
Upcoming Events
Open Application Office Hours at City Hall, Room 101
Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm
25 Dorrance Street, Room 101, Providence RI 02903
Stop by or sign up for an appointment by contacting the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 or email pvd311@providenceri.gov
FAQs
What languages can you help me apply?
We can help you apply in English and Spanish directly from our office or use a translator for many additional languages. In any case, we are hoping to make applying for the internet discount as easy and accessible as possible.
When will my bill go down?
Once you apply and are approved (which could take one hour to one month) for the reduced rate internet program, you’ll need to contact your internet service provider to apply the subsidy. It could take one to two billing cycles once approved for your bill to reflect the change.
How long will the ACP last?
ACP was voted on by Congress as part of a larger bill on infrastructure and would need to be repealed or replaced in order to end it. We cannot say with certainty if and when that would happen.
Please note you will have to re-certify every year. In many cases, you’ll be automatically recertified. In some cases, you’ll receive a letter in the mail asking for additional documentation to recertify. The 2022 recertification process will begin in August.
When do I connect ACP to my internet?
Once approved for ACP, you’ll have to contact your internet provider, or a new internet provider to apply the credit. You’ll need your approval number from ACP to move forward. ACP will send the discount directly to your internet provider. Please note it could take one or two billing cycles for your bill to reflect the discount.
How do I get $100 towards a free laptop/tablet/etc.?
To receive $100 towards a free laptop/tablet/device you must apply to participating internet providers. A list of them is available online at affordableconnectivity.gov/companies-near-me
Can I apply if I am not a citizen or permanent resident?
Yes, anyone who can provide documentation that they qualify for the program can apply for the program.
What type of income counts towards household income level?
Your total annual gross household income (including children) counts towards your household income level. This is the amount prior to taxes being taken out.
Can you help with cable as well?
The ACP only applies to the internet service portion of your bill. Cable and other non-internet add-ons are not included.
If you have a past due balance, can you still apply?
The ACP website says that you cannot be denied access to the internet discount based on past due balances. If you are denied access, please contact 3-1-1 and we can direct you as to next steps.