Quantum Fiber: ACP Customers Should Apply for the Lifeline Program

Quantum Fiber and its parent company Lumen have loudly encouraged the U.S. Congress to find new funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which will run out of funding in May of 2024.

If that doesn’t happen, the company is encouraging customers who qualify for the monthly $30 ACP credit to instead apply for Lifeline, a program that offers credits starting at $9.25 per month. Meanwhile, Quantum Fiber’s cheapest plan costs $50 per month.

“Lumen strongly supports bipartisan legislation that will fully fund ACP as part of our digital inclusion mission,” reads a statement from the company. “Our valued ACP customers will continue to receive service, and we’re working to keep them connected at an affordable rate.”

In this article, we’ll explain more about the end of the ACP and cover the cheapest options for Quantum Fiber customers who want to keep the provider. Then, we’ll go over your other options for internet service.

What happens when the ACP ends?

We’ve heard the ACP is running out of funding for months now, but full payments continued until April of 2024. In May, ACP customers may have received a partial credit of $7–$16 on their bills (rather than the standard $30). In June, no subsidy will be paid, and Quantum Fiber’s ACP customers won’t get a credit for any portion of their bill.

A Lumen spokesperson confirmed the company has sent multiple emails and offers to affected customers. If you haven’t confirmed you got the notices and haven’t agreed to pay for a new plan, there’s a chance you have already lost your internet service from Quantum Fiber (or will face shutoff in June).

If that has happened to you but you want to keep your service, reach out to Quantum Fiber at +1-833-250-6306 to discuss options.

Alternatives to the ACP

There’s no easy way for Quantum Fiber customers to get free internet unless Congress finds a way to fund the ACP, but folks in need may qualify for Lifeline. It’s an older FCC program that offers a subsidy of $9.25 per month (more on Tribal lands) for either internet or phone service.

Unlike with ACP, which allowed you to sign up with providers directly, you have to go through the National Verifier System to sign up for Lifeline. You will be asked to prove your household is eligible for at least one of the following:

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
• Medicaid
• Tribal Programs for Native Americans

If your application is approved, you’ll get a list of providers who participate in the program. If you like your Quantum Fiber service, look for its name on the results page.

Check out your local library

If you don’t qualify for Lifeline and the ACP ends, you may be able to find state or local programs to help you afford home internet every month.

If you can’t get online to search for options, try paying a visit to your local library. The librarians will know about programs you may qualify for and will help you apply. You may be able to check out Wi-Fi hotspots and devices to take home with you, too.

We encourage you to consider other free and low-cost options as well. Getting a reliable connection shouldn’t bust your budget!

Plan options from Quantum Fiber

Quantum Fiber offers great internet service, but it doesn’t come cheap. The 500Mbps plan will be sufficient for almost all households, but you might want to get a faster plan if you have a lot of roommates.

If you don’t know where to start, answer six quick questions to get an estimate on the speed you need for your home. Then, choose among the following options:

Quantum Fiber internet plans

Installation and Wi-Fi equipment is included with the plan price for new Quantum Fiber customers, and your address may qualify for the Price for Life deal. Read the fine print carefully to learn about how costs may go up in the future.

Other providers with low-income programs

Quantum Fiber operates in 16 states, mostly in the West. In each area, it competes with a different set of providers that may offer cable internet, 5G home internet, and sometimes DSL or fiber internet.

Your options for internet service depend on your exact address, but here’s a quick list of Quantum Fiber competitors with tailored programs and cheap or subsidized plans:

• Access for AT&T
• Xfinity Internet Essentials
• T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

Additional resources

Getting high-quality internet service can be a hassle upfront, but it’s worth it to stay connected and save on your bill every month.

Below is a collection of some of our most popular articles for folks trying to connect on a budget:

• Government Programs To Make Internet Service More Affordable
• How To Get Free and Low-Cost Internet
• Best Internet Deals
• Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Seniors
• Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Students
• Best Internet for Veterans and Military Families
• Rural Internet Providers
• The End of the ACP

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