PCs for People Affordable Connectivity Plans

PCs for People is more than just another wireless internet service provider. They are a national nonprofit social enterprise striving to provide low-cost computers and internet service to low-income individuals, families, and nonprofits. They also do their part in protecting the planet by refurbishing used computers.

As part of their quest to provide computers and internet connectivity to low-income families/individuals, PCs for People participates in the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a $30 per month discount on internet service. For households on qualifying Tribal Lands, that discount goes up to $75.

Free ACP Internet service

Because PCs for People only charge $15 per month for their internet service, that means if you qualify for ACP and sign up with PCs for People, your service is free.

In addition to free service, eligible ACP participants qualify for a one-time $100 discount on computers when signing up for service with PCs for People. You will be subject to a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50 on the computer purchase. Also, keep in mind that since the computers are refurbished, the inventory will vary.

Areas of Service

It appears that PCs for People operates on the T-Mobile wireless network. Visit the Check Coverage page to see if they service your area. After confirming they service your area, you’re ready to go to the next step.

Qualifying for the Affordable Connectivity Program

The next step is to ensure you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. To qualify you must satisfy one of the following criteria:

Have a household income of 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Enrolled in the Lifeline program
Participates in one of the following government assistance programs:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit

Additional programs for households living on Tribal Lands:

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Tribal Head Start
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

After satisfying the necessary criteria, it’s time to sign up for benefits. Visit AffordableConnectivy.gov and apply. Before applying, however, make sure you have the proper documentation to support your application. It will make for a smoother application process. With the right documentation, the approval process should take approximately 20-30 minutes.

Once approved, head over to the PCs for People website to apply for benefits.

Refurbished and Recycled Computers

I know this site is about free government phones and providing free or discounted phones/services to families and individuals. However, I’m impressed with the PCs for People service and wanted to share information that might help you or someone you know.

As technology changes, the outdated pieces of tech either get thrown away or stored in a basement somewhere and are thrown out later. Neither option is very useful to the individual or the planet. PCs for People is very much aware of the ever-growing problem of discarding old technology. Their solution is to recycle. They take the old tech, refurbish it and give it a second life.

As such, they offer these refurbished computers to individuals who otherwise could not afford new tech. It keeps the items out of landfills and provides a useful service to those in need. It’s a win-win!

What Used Technology Do They Accept?

Here is a partial list of what they accept:

Desktop & Laptop Computers
Keyboards & Mice
Hard Drives & Memory
Power Cords & Cables
Modems & Routers
Servers & Network Equipment

Here's a link to the full listing of what they accept: PCs for People Electronic Waste Guide

Device Drop-Off or Pick-Up

PCs for People has locations in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio. You can either visit a location to drop off your items or schedule an appointment.

I live in an area where they do not have a location. I contacted them to see if we could arrange something. They were quick to respond. Unfortunately, the arrangement was a little too far out of the way for me. However, I was impressed with the fact they were willing to go out of their way to pick up items.

Whether you choose them as your ACP provider or opt to recycle your old tech, PCs for People appears to be a top-notch operation.

Affordable Connectivity Program - Things to Note

Once you're enrolled in ACP, you must recertify annually to prove you are still eligible for benefits.
Only one ACP benefit per household.
You must use your service at least once every 30 days.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This site was created to help people find information about free government phones. The ower of this site does not mail, activate or repair free government phones nor provide phone service. If you have questions about phone service it is suggested that you contact the phone service provider directly.

Last Modified: 31 January 2023