TruConnect Mobile is an American MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that offers smartphones, mobile data plans, prepaid cell phone plans on T-Mobile’s nationwide network, and mobile hotspots. It also provides Lifeline and ACP benefits for eligible customers.
Is There a Difference Between TruConnect EBB and TruConnect ACP?
Before the government and the FCC have launched the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) on December 31, 2021, TruConnect used to participate in the now-expired Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. TruConnect EBB is TruConnect ACP’s predecessor. The EBB program offered similar benefits to the new ACP program.
The EBB program was an FCC program designed to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offered a discount of up to $50 a month towards broadband internet service for eligible households and $75 a month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Certain EBB providers also offered a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, which can be obtained if the customer pays a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50.
As the EBB program was a temporary government assistance program launched in response to the pandemic and as it proved to be vital for millions of Americans, the government has decided to transform it into a new, long-term ACP program, which will also help ensure that households can afford the internet they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. The new benefit also offers a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a connected device (tablet, laptop, desktop) if the customer contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. In addition, the program also offers a discount on monthly internet services, however, the discount is slightly lower ($30 a month and $75 a month for households on Tribal lands).
The difference between TruConnect EBB and ACP is minimal and former TruConnect EBB customers can easily qualify and enroll in the new ACP program, which offers similar benefits. Read more about the TruConnect ACP at truconnect.com/broadband.
How to Qualify for the TruConnect Affordable Connectivity Program?
In order to qualify for the TruConnect ACP program, you must be ACP-eligible. ACP eligibility criteria are determined by the FCC and are therefore universal for all ACP providers. A household is ACP-eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as:
- Lifeline
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- SSI
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Fund
- WIC
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Is 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.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.
The FCC will determine program eligibility using the Universal Service Administrative Company’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database, or an alternative verification process.
Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for the TruConnect Affordable Connectivity Program?
When you apply for the ACP benefit, TruConnect will try to confirm your identity, address, and eligibility. In case the provider fails to do so, you may need to provide additional information or documentation.
Depending on your eligibility criteria, you may need to provide any of the following documents:
- An official document proving your participation in qualifying government assistance programs. The document must include your full legal name, the name of the program, the name of the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last 12 months. For example, you can provide some of the following documents: benefit award letter, approval letter, statement of benefits, or a benefit verification letter.
- An official document that shows that your annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The document must include your full name and your annual income. Document examples: 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, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a retirement/pension statement of benefits.
- An official document that verifies your identity. The document must include your full name and date of birth. Document examples: a valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID, birth certificate, U.S. driver’s license, passport, certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization, permanent resident card or Green Card, government assistance program document, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document.
- An official document that verifies your address. It must include your full name and your physical address. Document examples: driver’s license, valid government, state, or Tribal ID, utility bill, mortgage or lease statement, or most recent W-2 or tax return.
In case you live with another adult who participates in the ACP and receives ACP benefits (which are generally limited to one per eligible household), you will be required to answer certain questions to find out if your household qualifies for more than one benefit.
To apply for the ACP program, you must be 18 or more years old or an emancipated minor. As such, emancipated minors will also be required to provide an official document proving their emancipated minor status, such as a court document or the certificate of emancipation.
You can submit your documents online when filling out TruConnect’s online application. However, you can also do so by mail. Make copies or take pictures of the documents using a camera, smartphone, copy machine, or scanner. Do not send dark or blurry copies and never submit original copies.
How Do I Apply for Affordable Connectivity Program TruConnect?
To apply for TruConnect ACP, simply follow the simple steps below:
- Step 1: Make sure you are TruConnect ACP eligible. See eligibility criteria above.
- Step 2: Visit truconnect.com/broadband. Enter your ZIP code and email address and press ‘Apply Now’. Then, you will be redirected to TruConnect’s ACP application form. Fill it out by providing the required information and attaching the necessary documentation. Submit your TruConnect ACP application.
- Step 3: Wait a couple of days for the provider to let you know whether or not your application was successful. Then, you can start enjoying your TruConnect ACP benefits.
Alternatively, you can go directly to acpbenefit.org and submit an online application there. Then, you can contact TruConnect’s customer care service to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
What Are the Benefits if I Am Qualified for the TruConnect Affordable Connectivity Program?
TruConnect’s ACP plans and benefits depend on your state of residence and the options available at the time of your enrollment. You can apply your ACP benefits to any available TruConnect service plan. TruConnect ACP offers the following ACP plans and benefits:
- Lifeline customers outside of California: TruConnect ACP free plan for Lifeline customers includes 12.5 GB of 4G/LTE data (ACP plan adds 8 GB to your Lifeline plan) and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
- California Lifeline customers: TruConnect’s California ACP plan for Lifeline customers comes with 14 GB of 4G/LTE data (ACP plan adds 8 GB to your Lifeline plan) and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
- Stand-alone Service: TruConnect’s free ACP plan for non-Lifeline customers includes 8 GB of 4G/LTE data, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and an LTE-enabled hotspot device of your choice or a Google Play Certified LTE Android smartphone. Depending on availability, TruConnect may offer ACP-eligible customers to purchase a discounted 8-inch Google Play Certified Android tablet with LTE connectivity, which may qualify for the one-time ACP discount of up to $100.
Read more about the TruConnect ACP program at truconnect.com/broadband. If you have any additional questions about the TruConnect ACP, make sure to contact the provider’s customer support system at truconnect.com/contact-us.
Note: The ACP monthly service and device discounts cannot be transferred to other individuals or households. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount. You can receive your ACP benefit from your preferred participating provider and can transfer your benefit to another provider at any time.
In Which Area is TruConnect ACP Facility Available?
To qualify for the TruConnect ACP, you must also be a resident of one of the states where TruConnect offers its services. The provider offers ACP benefits in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
What Other Things You Should Know About Truconnect ACP?
Does TruConnect Offer a Free Tablet Under the ACP Program?
It depends on availability. TruConnect may offer ACP-eligible customers the opportunity to purchase a discounted 8-inch Google Play Certified Android tablet with LTE connectivity, which may qualify for an ACP discount of up to $100.
How Do I Check the Status of my TruConnect Affordable Connectivity Program Application?
You can check your TruConnect ACP application status by signing in to your TruConnect online account, where the application status is stated. You can also do so by contacting TruConnect’s customer care service.
Why Choose TruConnect Affordable Connectivity Program?
There are many reasons why you may wish to choose the TruConnect ACP programs. Most people choose it due to generous data plans, free smartphones, and the possibility to get a discounted tablet.
If I’m a Part of the Lifeline Program, Can I Still Qualify for TruConnect ACP?
Yes, eligible customers can receive both a Lifeline and an ACP benefit. If you have both, you can get more free data and other benefits. However, keep in mind that both Lifeline and ACP are limited to one benefit per household.
When Can I Apply and Enroll in the TruConnect ACP?
Since the TruConnect ACP program has launched on December 31, 2021, you can apply and enroll at any time. Subscribers enrolled in the EBB as of December 31, 2021, may keep their EBB benefit for 60 days and must transition to the ACP benefit on March 1, 2022, if eligible.
