Does Q Link Wireless Offer the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Q Link Wireless is a United States-based telecommunications company. It provides free wireless services to Lifeline-eligible households. Q Link is an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that uses T-Mobile’s nationwide network and offers services in many U.S. states, including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
In addition to Lifeline services, Q Link Wireless also offers the Affordable Connectivity Program. Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP is a new government assistance program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide low-income citizens with discounts on monthly broadband services and connected internet devices.
The ACP offers discounts of up to $30 on monthly broadband internet services ($75 for eligible households on Tribal lands). In addition, some ACP providers (not all) also offer a one-time discount of up to $100 on connected devices, such as laptops, tablets, or desktop computers, if the customer pays a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50. Luckily, Q Link Wireless offers both service and device discounts.
However, ACP services and devices are subject to consumer eligibility (see ‘How to Qualify for the Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program’), provider participation, product availability, and approval by the FCC or USAC. Also, note that the ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Read more about Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless at qlinkwireless.com/acp.
When Can I Apply and Enroll in the Q Link Wireless ACP?
Affordable Connectivity Program is a brand new program that was launched on December 31, 2021, and has replaced the now-expired Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which offered similar benefits (see the differences in the ‘Is There a Difference Between EBB and ACP in Q Link Wireless?’ section). Q Link’s EBB program was available until December 31, 2021, and then it was replaced by the new ACP. Customers who have enrolled in the expired EBB program before it was no longer available may keep their EBB benefits for 60 days and must transition to the ACP program (if eligible) no later than March 1, 2022.
Since December 31, 2021, you can apply and enroll in the Q Link Wireless ACP anytime. Keep in mind that you will only be able to enroll if ACP-eligible (see eligibility criteria in the next section).
How to Qualify for the Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program?
To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program at Q Link Wireless or any other provider, you must be ACP-eligible. The ACP eligibility criteria are determined by the FCC and thus universal for all ACP providers. A person or household is ACP-eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Your household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or you are unemployed.
- You or any of your household members participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- WIC
- Lifeline
- You or any of your household members participate in certain Tribal Programs, such as:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- You or any of your household members were approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year.
- You or any of your household members have received a federal Pell Grant award in the current award year.
- You meet the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.
In addition, to successfully enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless, you must be a resident of one of the states where Q Link offers its services. See the list of Q Link states in the first section.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for the Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program?
When applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless (or from any other provider), the provider will try to verify your identity and eligibility automatically. In case the provider fails to do so, it may ask you to provide certain supporting documents that may do so.
Depending on your eligibility criteria, you may be required to provide some of the following documents:
- An official document that includes your full name, date of birth, and address to verify your identity. For example, a passport, a government, military, state, or Tribal ID, birth certificate, U.S. Driver’s license, certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization, permanent resident card or Green Card, etc.
- An official document showing that your household’s annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, or a similar official document showing your income, or a retirement/pension statement of benefits.
- An official document proving your participation in a qualifying assistance program. For example, a benefit award letter, approval letter, statement of benefits, or a benefit verification letter.
- An official document stating that your household is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
- An official document stating that you or a household member has received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
To apply for any ACP program (including Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless), you must be 18 years old or more or an emancipated minor. Therefore, emancipated minors are required to prove their emancipated minor status with an official court document or a certificate.
You can attach the documents to your Q Link ACP online application. If that doesn’t work, you can also send them via mail to the provider’s address. Make sure to only submit copies of the documents, never originals.
How Do I Apply for Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless?
Applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless is as simple as it gets. All you have to do is to follow the easy steps below:
- Step 1: Make sure you are ACP-eligible. You will only be able to successfully enroll in the program if you meet one or more of the ACP eligibility criteria listed in the section ‘How to Qualify for the Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program?’.
- Step 2: Visit qlinkwireless.com/signup.
- Step 3: First, enter your ZIP code and email address and press ‘Get it now’. Then, fill out Q Link’s online application form by providing all the required information and documentation.
- Step 4: Once you submit the application, wait a couple of days for the provider to let you know if you qualify. If you do, expect to enjoy all the benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless (see the list of benefits below) shortly.
Read more at qlinkwireless.com/acp.
What Are the Benefits if I Am Qualified for the Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program?
Successfully enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program by Q Link Wireless comes with a long list of great benefits. Some of the best perks of participating include:
- A free unlimited monthly cell phone service with:
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited data
- Nationwide coverage on one of America’s largest and most reliable networks
- A new tablet with the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities for just $10.01. Note: The tablet offer is subject to product availability and shipping days may vary. Shipping may take up to 6 – 8 weeks to deliver, depending on availability. You will receive the invoice to the email you provided when signing up after the device has been shipped and delivered.
Learn more about Affordable Connectivity Program Q Link Wireless and apply at qlinkwireless.com/acp.
Is There a Difference Between EBB and ACP in Q Link Wireless?
As mentioned before, ACP is a brand new government assistance program. This new, permanent program has replaced the old, temporary program called the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) on December 31, 2021.
The EBB program was a temporary COVID-19 relief program established to provide support during the pandemic. However, as the program proved to be essential for millions of Americans, the US Congress passed a bill to modify and extend the program which will now be known as the ACP.
Prior to December 31, 2021, Q Link Wireless used to offer EBB discounts and benefits, which are similar to ACP benefits. Nevertheless, there are some differences and changes:
- The EBB program used to offer a discount of up to $50 per month on monthly internet services, while the new ACP program offers a discount of up to $30 a month for monthly broadband services. The maximum monthly benefit for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands, however, remains the same – $75 per month.
- Both EBB and ACP offer a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
- Customers have new ways to qualify for the new ACP program, such as receiving WIC benefits or having an annual household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Households that qualified to the EBB due to substantial loss of income as a result of a job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s COVID-19 program, will be required to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Q Link customers who have enrolled in the EBB prior to December 31, 2021, may keep their EBB benefits for 60 days and must transition to Q Link ACP no later than March 1, 2022 (if eligible). During the 60-day transition period (from December 31, 2021, until March 1, 2022), the EBB subscribers may still enjoy all of their EBB benefits, including free unlimited data, talk, and text.
What Are the Start and End Dates of the Q Link Wireless ACP Program?
Q Link’s ACP program started on December 31, 2021. The duration of the program depends on funding availability from the FCC, provider participation, and consumer eligibility. In case the FCC announces that funding for the program has been exhausted, Q Link will discontinue their ACP service offers, or the provider determines you are no longer eligible for the program, they will notify you and you will revert to receiving only the standard free Lifeline plan (if available and if eligible).
In case you also need information Qlink Free Phones And Service Guide
Which Other Broadband Providers Are Participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new government assistance program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. Therefore, numerous mobile and fixed service providers offer ACP benefits and discounts. In fact, most of the providers that used to provide EBB benefits, now participate in the ACP program.
Some of the best Affordable Connectivity Program providers include:
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile
- Cintex Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- TracFone Wireless
- TruConnect
- Verizon
See the full list of all ACP providers at fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers.
As mentioned before, all ACP providers offer discounts on monthly broadband internet services and only some of them also offer discounts on connected devices, such as desktop computers, laptops, or tablets. You can find ACP providers that offer both types of discounts in your state of residence by selecting your state and noticing which providers have a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices’.
What Else Should I Know About Q-Link Wireless ACP?
Does Q Link Offer a Free Tablet Under the ACP Program?
Yes. Q Link is one of those ACP providers that not only offer discounts on monthly services but also offer discounts on connected devices. The connected device that ACP-eligible customers can claim at Q Link Wireless is a tablet. However, keep in mind that the device is not actually completely free of charge. According to the FCC rules, the one-time device discount can only be claimed if the customer pays a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50. As such, the Q Link Wireless ‘free’ tablet actually costs $10.01.
How Do I Check the Status of My Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program Application?
You can check the status of your Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program application by signing into your Q Link account online or by contacting Q Link’s customer support service available at qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx.
Why Choose Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program?
As mentioned before, all ACP providers provide discounts of up to $30 on monthly broadband services ($75 for eligible Tribal households). However, not all offer discounts on connected devices. Q Link Wireless is one of those few great ACP providers that offer both. In addition to getting free monthly services and a free tablet, ACP-eligible Q Link customers will also receive access to T-Mobile’s nationwide coverage, reliable services, and more. See more reasons why choose Q Link’s ACP in the section ‘What Are the Benefits if I Am Qualified for the Q Link Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program?’.
Can the ACP Benefit Be Transferred Between Two Different Internet Service Providers?
The ACP benefit is limited to one per eligible household and can only be applied to one provider at a time. Nevertheless, if you wish to transfer your ACP benefit from one service provider to another, you can do so by ending your participation with the first provider and re-enrolling with the second provider. You can receive ACP subsidized internet service from any participating provider of your choice.
If I’m Part of the Lifeline Program, Can I Still Qualify for Q Link Wireless ACP?
Yes. Both Lifeline and ACP benefits are limited to one per eligible household, however, an eligible household can have one of each at the same time. You can apply your Lifeline and ACP benefits to the same or separate services.
