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03.07.25
The Affordable Connectivity Program was a federal effort to make internet service more affordable for eligible Americans that ended last year due to lack of funding.
According to The New York Times, the ACP provided more than 23 million households with either reduced bills or even free internet service.
There were news around an extension – the ACP extension act of 2024 – a bill in Congress that would find existing funds elsewhere to revive this program, but it has not been voted on as of yet to become law, and is awaiting further action.
Even if the bill passes eventually, most government funding programs are hindered by strict eligibility requirements, elaborate paperwork, and other fine print restrictions you may not be aware of. So, it's a good time to consider some more flexible alternatives.
STOP! Paying for phone service
With TextNow, you get unlimited talk & text, plus essential data, for $0/month. Stay connected without paying a penny on your phone bill.
Alternative Plan for Affordable Connectivity Program: TextNow's Free Essential Data
While there are still some government programs that help provide affordable phone services such as Lifeline, again, their eligibility requirements are strict and vary by state.
And let's not forget, even when you do qualify, the support is up to $9.25 off your monthly bill. When comparing some of the plans available with this discount, you're still going to be looking at a $25+ monthly bill, which starts to look steep next to a $0/month bill.
Mobile Features/Cost
TextNow's Free Essential Data
Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Data
1GB
Monthly Cost $0
Monthly Cost after Lifeline discount N/A (still $0!)
Verizon Prepaid Plan
Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Data 15GB
Monthly Cost $45
Monthly Cost after Lifeline discount $35.75
US Cellular Lifeline Plan
Minutes Unlimited
Texts Unlimited
Data 20GB
Monthly Cost $34.25
Monthly Cost after Lifeline discount $25
TextNow, however, is readily available to anyone. No forms required! Supported by in-app ads (like all your favorite streaming services), our nationwide phone service includes unlimited calls & texts, plus access to email, maps, and rideshare apps—all for free.
This means that you can stay connected with your own phone number, check your emails, look up directions, and order a ride (Uber, Lyft) without ever having to pay for a data plan.
More alternative plans for ACP: The best data plan for you
If you need additional data, there are affordable unlimited data options that, for the most part, will still ring up a lower bill than some of the Lifeline options.
If you need a plan with limited data, and don't want to pay for unlimited, TextNow's data pass options are an ideal solution for the minimal-data user.
Unlike traditional carriers, the data options aren't based on data limits alone, but also on time. Flexibility means having the power to add data as needed – for an hour ($0.99), for a day ($4.99), or for the whole month ($39.99).
TextNow Tip: Before you go looking into data-specific plans, figure out just how much data you actually need first to ensure you pick the right plan for you.
How to get service with TextNow
Since there are no eligibility requirements, signing up for TextNow is simple. To start, download the free TextNow app, set up your local phone number, and immediately start calling and texting for free over Wi-Fi!
To use your phone without Wi-Fi, order a TextNow SIM card (a one-time purchase that connects your phone to our 5G network), and activate it to access essential apps for free. You even have the option to add data as you need it.
No eligibility forms, no state rules, no temporary promotions. TextNow is the only free phone service provider with unlimited talk & text and essential data on the nation's largest 5G network, all in one convenient app.
