T-Mobile steps in to support its customers after ACP ends

As the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) approaches its end in April 2024, Metro by T-Mobile steps in to support its customers during this transition.

john shim
May 30, 2024
8 min read

Metro by T-Mobile Offers $15 Monthly Discount as Affordable Connectivity Program Ends in April 2024

Overview

As the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) approaches its end in April 2024, Metro by T-Mobile steps in to support its customers during this transition. Understanding the potential impact on those who have relied on the ACP benefit, Metro by T-Mobile will offer a $15 monthly discount from June through August 2024. This initiative ensures that customers continue to receive support as the federal program winds down. Here’s everything you need to know about the changes and how to make the most of this discount.

Transition Details

ACP Funding End Date: April 2024 marks the end of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to the exhaustion of funding. This program has provided essential connectivity support to low-income families and individuals across the United States.

Metro by T-Mobile Discount: Starting in June 2024, Metro by T-Mobile will offer a $15 monthly discount to all existing ACP customers. This discount will be available for three months, ending in August 2024. The goal is to ease the transition for customers who have depended on the ACP benefit for their connectivity needs.

Important Points to Remember

Maintaining Eligibility: To ensure you receive the $15 discount from Metro by T-Mobile, you must maintain your ACP eligibility up until the program ends. This includes:

Ensuring your address is accurate.
Keeping an ACP eligible rate plan (any plan with data).
Maintaining qualifying usage on your account.

Post-ACP Benefits:

From June to August 2024: If you are an existing ACP customer when the government funding ends, you will automatically receive a $15 discount on your Metro by T-Mobile bill each month.
Eligibility: Only customers who are actively receiving the ACP benefit when the program ends will be eligible for the Metro discount.

Plan Changes:

Before ACP Ends: To continue receiving the ACP benefit, you must stay on an ACP eligible rate plan. These are any plans that include data.
After ACP Ends: Once the ACP concludes, you are free to change your rate plan at any time without risking your three-month $15 discount.

Discount Application: The $15 monthly discount from Metro by T-Mobile will be automatically applied to your account as long as your ACP line remains active. You do not need to take any additional steps to receive this benefit.

AutoPay and Additional Discounts:

The $15 discount will be applied alongside any existing AutoPay discounts you may have. For instance, if you have an AutoPay discount of $5 per account, it will continue in addition to the $15 discount.
You can view the breakdown of your discounts in the My Account section or by contacting Metro by T-Mobile customer care at 1-888-8Metro8.

Restrictions:

The $15 discount is specifically tied to the line that currently receives the ACP benefit. It cannot be transferred to a different line or account.
If you cancel your Metro by T-Mobile account, you will lose both the ACP benefit and the $15 discount.

Recertification and Usage Requirements

Recertification: Under ACP guidelines, customers are required to recertify annually to demonstrate they still qualify for the benefit. You will receive a letter from USAC prompting you to complete this process. Typically, you have 60 days from the receipt of the letter to complete recertification. Visit the ACP recertification page for detailed instructions.

Usage: To maintain your ACP benefit, you must use your Metro by T-Mobile service at least once every 45 days. This includes making or receiving a call, sending a text, or using mobile data (not Wi-Fi). If no activity is detected after 30 days, you will enter a 15-day grace period before being de-enrolled from the ACP and losing the discount.

Contact Information

General ACP Questions: For any questions about the ACP, contact the FCC ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 or visit GetInternet.gov.

Metro by T-Mobile Assistance: If you have any questions or need assistance with your Metro by T-Mobile discount or account, you can reach out to their customer care team at 1-888-8Metro8. They can help with everything from maintaining your eligibility to updating your account information.

While end of the Affordable Connectivity Program might bring challenges for many, but Metro by T-Mobile is committed to supporting its customers through this transition. By offering a $15 monthly discount from June to August 2024, Metro ensures that you stay connected without significant financial burden. Keep your ACP line active, maintain eligibility, and benefit from the discounts to continue enjoying uninterrupted service. Stay informed by checking for updates from Metro by T-Mobile as August approaches.

FAQS

When ACP ends, your Metro discount begins.

Starting in June, you will receive up to $15/mo. off your bill through August. Just keep your current ACP line active to continue receiving this discount.

What will happen to my discount after the Affordable Connectivity Program ends?

The federal government has chosen not to renew funding to the Affordable Connectivity Program which is scheduled to end in April 2024. To help in the transition, Metro by T-Mobile will provide existing ACP customers with a $15 discount for three months through August. We will keep you informed about updates as August approaches.

What is changing with the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2024?

Funding for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is running out of funding in April 2024. Metro by T-Mobile will provide a $15 per month discount for all existing ACP customers from June – August. Where can I find more information about the ACP Wind-Down? General questions about the ACP’s status should go to the FCC ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 or go to GetInternet.gov. Metro will be reaching out to customers who receive the ACP benefit with updates over the coming months.

What happens if I change my rate plan?

While the ACP benefit is still on your account, you must maintain an ACP eligible rate plan (any plan with data) to keep your benefit. After ACP ends, you can change your rate plan at any time without risk to your 3-month $15 discount.

How can I ensure I maintain ACP eligibility through the Wind-Down?

To maintain eligibility, you must ensure your address is correct, your rate plan is eligible for the ACP (any plan with data) and you have qualifying usage. Metro will notify you if you are in jeopardy of becoming ineligible to ensure you can correct issues before losing their benefit.

Your $15 Metro discount

How do I get the $15 discount on my account through August? You don’t need to do anything other than keep the line active! We will automatically replace your ACP discount with our $15 monthly credit through August when your government discount ends in June.

Can I receive both my autopay discount and my $15 discount?

Yes, the $15 discount will be applied to your line with ACP through August. There are no changes to your AutoPay discount, which is an additional $5 per account. You can view the line breakdown in My Account or call Care with additional assistance at 1-888-8Metro8.

I have never participated in the ACP, can I still receive the $15 discount?

No, the $15 discount is only available to customers who are receiving the ACP benefit when government funding runs out.

Can I transfer my $15 discount to a different line or account?

No, this credit can only be applied to the line that has your ACP discount. This discount cannot be transferred or re-added if the line is cancelled.

What if I don’t want to stay with Metro by T-Mobile?

At Metro you are never locked into a contract and can change your service at any time. However, once you cancel your account, you will no longer be eligible to receive your ACP benefit or $15 discount.

The federal ACP Benefit

When do I need to recertify and how?

Visit ACP recertification to learn about recertification. ACP guidelines require customers to recertify every year to demonstrate they still qualify. Once you receive a letter from USAC, you must complete the recertification process before the deadline stated in your letter – usually within 60 days of when you receive it.

Can I change my phone number after the ACP discount code has been applied to my account?

You can change your number and still retain the discount. There are processes in place to verify if a phone number changes. Metro by T-Mobile will need to associate your new phone number with your ACP discount, which may delay application of the ACP discount to your new phone number for a brief period.

What happens if I do not use the phone connected with the ACP discount?

Under FCC rules, if you are on a plan where the ACP discount covers your monthly fee, you must use your Metro by T-Mobile service at least once every 45 days to keep your account active. If no activity is registered on your account after 30 days, you will enter a 15-day cure period before you are de-enrolled from the Affordable Connectivity Program and the discount is removed from your account. To maintain the Affordable Connectivity Program discount, simply place or receive a call, send a text, or use your mobile data (off a Wi-Fi network) each month.

Need help resolving an issue with the ACP?

If you have concerns about the enrollment process or the quality of the ACP service Metro by T-Mobile is providing, you may call our Care team at 1-888-8Metro8. You may also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Consumer Complaint Center, at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us or by calling 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322).