How do I decide which internet speed will support my family’s online activities?
Broadband speeds are measured in ‘megabits per second’, often shortened to Mbps. The higher the number of Mbps you have, the faster your online activity should be. Most people assume that the higher the internet speed, the better off they are. But not everyone needs the highest available internet plan—and you may be overpaying if you’re subscribing to a service that’s faster than you need.
Some things take very few Mbps, such as sending emails without attachments. Some things like video conferencing, telehealth, remote learning for students, or streaming live events, need many more Mbps in order to keep up the quality you’re looking for.
Twenty (20) Participating ACP Carriers are offering a minimum of 100 Mbps download speed, which is fast enough for a typical family of 4 to video conference, stream movies or TV, and more.
Consider these general guidelines for an idea of where your household might stand:
10-15 Mbps: Ideal for small households with basic internet needs, such as emailing, web browsing and some music or video streaming.
35-40 Mbps: Great for multi-user households that will be downloading and streaming. Also, typically sufficient for light work from home.
75+ Mbps: Best for heavy use of downloading, streaming, online gaming and other connected devices. Best for home offices that download large files and/or conduct video calls.
We recommend a fixed broadband connection for most households.
What if I also need help getting a tablet or computer?
ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from certain participating providers, with a small copay. To get a discounted device, contact a participating provider. The providers offering discounted devices are listed Here at the FCC's site.
Save up to $30 a month on your internet service.
Interested in receiving the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? Download the step by step guide. This user friendly resource walks you through the enrollment process and helps you determine what internet service plan best fits your family’s needs.