ACP Free Laptop Update: The Program Has Ended
This ACP Free Laptop Update is straightforward: the Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024 after additional federal funding was not provided. New ACP applications and enrollments are closed, and the old ACP device discount is no longer an active route to a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
Do not submit a new “ACP application.” If a website currently claims it can enroll you in ACP, the claim is outdated or misleading because ACP enrollment is closed.
ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments in February 2024.
The FCC closed ACP after additional congressional funding was not provided.
The former one-time connected-device discount ended with the program.
How the program ended
ACP did not become a permanent open benefit. Its funding was limited, and the FCC began an orderly wind-down when additional funding had not been appropriated.
2024
New enrollment froze
ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments in early February 2024 as part of the program wind-down.
2024
Last fully funded month
April 2024 was the last month for which the regular ACP benefit was fully funded. A partial benefit was possible for May through participating providers.
2024
ACP officially ended
The FCC brought the Affordable Connectivity Program to a close on June 1, 2024 because additional funding from Congress had not been provided.
ACP never promised everyone a free laptop.
Even while ACP was active, its connected-device benefit was a one-time discount through participating providers—not a universal federal giveaway.
Up to $100 toward a connected device
ACP previously allowed a one-time discount of up to $100 toward an eligible laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased from a participating provider.
A household contribution was required
The household had to contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the device purchase. That is why describing the old ACP device benefit as automatically “free” was inaccurate.
The provider had to participate
ACP eligibility alone did not mean every internet company offered a computer. The connected device had to be available through a participating provider that chose to offer the device benefit.
Current routes are separate from ACP
If you need internet help or a computer now, use an active program for the need you actually have rather than looking for a reopened ACP application.
Lifeline for service
Lifeline remains an active federal benefit for qualifying phone or internet service. It does not replace ACP’s former one-time device discount and does not itself guarantee a laptop.
Human-I-T for affordable technology
Human-I-T provides affordable refurbished technology and deeper discounts for qualifying households, with a separate limited need-based device request route.
Human-I-T options →PCs for People for low-cost computers
Eligible low-income customers can purchase refurbished computers through PCs for People after meeting its assistance-program or income rules.
PCs for People options →Local programs for free or loaned devices
Schools, libraries, nonprofits, workforce organizations, and sponsored local events can offer devices under their own rules and availability.
Find local laptop assistance →Check old pages before trusting them
The FCC has warned consumers that some websites and marketing materials continued advertising ACP after the program ended. Treat current ACP-enrollment claims as a verification problem.
“Apply for ACP now”
New ACP enrollment is closed. A current form claiming to enroll you in the federal ACP should not be treated as an active federal application.
“Guaranteed ACP laptop”
ACP no longer provides benefits. Even historically, the connected-device benefit required a household contribution and a participating provider.
“ACP and Lifeline are the same”
They are separate programs. ACP ended; Lifeline remains active as a communications-service benefit.
Verify a laptop offer →
