What’s the news?  Cricket Wireless will participate in the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP, which replaces the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit, will provide eligible households with a benefit of up to $30 a month and up to $75 on qualifying Tribal lands to reduce the cost of their broadband service. 
 
Why is this important? The ACP will help make internet services more affordable for about 30 percent of American households who may qualify. Affordability is one of the key issues creating the digital divide – the gap between those who have internet services and those who don’t. 

How do I take advantage of this? The ACP will begin accepting eligibility applications and enrollments on December 31, 2021.   Cricket Wireless will begin enrolling customers in early January. Customers will first need to find out if they are eligible by visiting ACPBenefit.org.

What if I’m already receiving the Emergency Broadband Benefit? 
You don’t have to do anything right now. Existing EBB customers will continue to receive their benefit through March 1 if they enrolled in EBB by 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 30. However, if you qualified under the EBB COVID temporary loss of income criteria, you may need to requalify with the National Verifier under different criteria prior to March 1.  You will receive a notice from the FCC’s Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) if you need to requalify, and you will receive additional information if you are required to take any steps to retain any benefit after March 1, 2022.  We’ll be providing more information to customers in the coming weeks.

Please note: The FCC will stop accepting EBB enrollments at 6pm ET on Dec. 30.  

What are people saying?  
“Having affordable internet connectivity is critical to closing the digital divide and helping more people stay connected to who and what matters most,” said John Dwyer, President of the AT&T Prepaid Portfolio, which includes Cricket Wireless. “We are excited to extend our participation in this valuable program so that more people can take advantage of these long-term federal benefits to reduce the cost of their mobile broadband services.”

About Cricket Wireless
Cricket is focused on inspiring smiles, one meaningful connection at a time. We offer an easy and high-quality wireless experience on our reliable nationwide network. Our affordable, straightforward service plans include monthly taxes and don’t require an annual contract. Our customers also enjoy basic to top-brand phones at affordable prices.  The AT&T Prepaid Portfolio, which includes Cricket Wireless, was the fastest growing prepaid carrier in the United States in Q3 2021 and has been for the past three years.

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