The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government benefit program that helps lower income households get discounted internet service and devices. Whoop Connect is one of the participating service providers in the ACP program. Through ACP, Whoop Connect offers a free tablet to eligible customers. Unfortunately, Whoop Connect does not offer free phones through ACP. But you can still get significant discounts on phone service and devices.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about getting a free Whoop Connect tablet and discounted phone service with ACP, including:
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a long-term replacement program for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). It is run by the FCC to help lower income households afford internet service and connected devices.
With ACP, eligible households can receive:
- A discount of up to $30/month on internet service from participating providers. This discount can be applied to any internet plan, postpaid or prepaid.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, tablet or desktop computer from participating providers. The ACP benefit can cover the full cost of the device.
To qualify for ACP, your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or you must participate in certain government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, etc.
The ACP program is open to eligible households on Tribal lands as well.
Whoop Connect ACP Benefits
Whoop Connect is a mobile virtual network operator providing no-contract cell phone service. They utilize Sprint and T-Mobile towers to provide coverage.
As an ACP participating provider, Whoop Connect offers the following discounts and benefits:
- Free tablet - ACP eligible customers can get a free tablet from Whoop Connect after paying taxes and fees of $10 - $50. The tablet is an 8" Android model with 32GB storage.
- Discounted phone service - You can get unlimited talk, text and 15GB of data for just $10/month with ACP discount. Without ACP, the plan costs $20/month.
- No contracts - Whoop Connect does not require any contracts or commitments. You can cancel anytime.
- No credit checks - They provide service without any credit checks.
Unfortunately, Whoop Connect does not offer any free smartphones through the ACP program. But you can bring your own device or purchase one at discounted pricing.
ACP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the free Whoop Connect tablet and discounted phone service, you must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on your household size and location. For example, the limit for a family of 4 in the contiguous US in 2023 is $55,500 per year.
- You participate in certain government assistance programs:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- SSI
- WIC
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal specific programs
- Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program
- Federal Pell Grant (current award year)
- You received a Federal COVID-19 relief benefit:
- Lifeline benefits
- Free and reduced price school lunch or breakfast during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year
- Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
All members of an eligible household can get ACP benefits. You must provide proof of eligibility during enrollment.
Documents Needed to Apply
To enroll in the Whoop Connect ACP program, you'll need to submit the following documents:
1. Proof of Identity
Submit a copy of any of these government-issued IDs:
- Driver's license
- State ID card
- Passport
- Permanent resident card
- Certificate of citizenship or naturalization
- Birth certificate
- Tribal ID/document
2. Proof of Eligibility
Submit documentation showing your participation in a qualifying government assistance program or income eligibility:
- SNAP approval letter
- Medicaid benefit verification letter
- Statement of benefits from SSI
- Federal Pell grant award letter
- Housing assistance award letter
- Income statement or pay stubs showing income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
3. Additional Info
You may need to provide:
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Address
Make sure the copies are clear and legible. Submit them online or by mail during enrollment.
How to Apply for Whoop Connect ACP
Follow these steps to enroll in the Whoop Connect Affordable Connectivity Program:
- Determine your eligibility - Make sure you meet one of the ACP eligibility criteria before applying.
- Gather required documents - Have your proof of identity and eligibility documents ready.
- Visit Whoop Connect ACP page - Go to www.whoopconnect.com/acp. Click on "Apply Now".
- Enter your details - Provide your name, date of birth, ZIP code, last 4 SSN digits, email address, etc.
- Upload eligibility documents - Submit your proof of identity and eligibility documents.
- Complete application - Carefully fill out the entire ACP application form.
- Submit application - Review details and click submit.
- Wait for approval - Whoop Connect will verify your documents and send approval in 1-2 days.
- Receive tablet - Your free ACP tablet will ship in 7-10 business days after approval.
- Activate service - Contact support to transfer or activate your phone line on the discounted ACP plan.
Once approved, you can start enjoying your free tablet and discounted phone service through Whoop Connect's Affordable Connectivity Program!
Features of the Free Whoop Connect Tablet
The Whoop Connect tablet provided through ACP is an 8-inch Android model with the following features:
- Android 11 (Go edition) operating system
- Quad-core 2.0 GHz processor
- 32GB internal storage
- MicroSD slot to expand storage up to 128GB
- 3GB RAM
- 8-inch HD touchscreen display
- 5MP rear camera + 2MP front camera
- 4000mAh battery
- WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity
This tablet allows you to video chat with friends and family, browse the internet, access apps, games, social media, and more. The ample storage lets you save photos, videos, documents and install apps. It's great for entertainment as well as productivity on the go.
Benefits of Whoop Connect ACP
Here are some of the biggest benefits you'll enjoy with the Whoop Connect Affordable Connectivity Program:
- Stay connected - The free tablet and discounted phone service help you stay in touch with loved ones.
- Education - Learn new skills and take online classes using the tablet.
- Work - Search and apply for jobs from anywhere.
- Healthcare - Access telehealth services and wellness apps.
- Entertainment - Enjoy games, videos, music and more on the tablet.
- Affordability - No contracts, deposits or credit checks. $0 tablet and just $10/month for phone service.
- Mobility - Whoop Connect utilizes Sprint and T-Mobile's nationwide 4G and 5G networks.
- Flexibility - Switch plans or cancel anytime without penalties.
For low income households, this program provides an affordable way to get connected.
ACP Usage Requirements
To keep your free tablet and discounted service active, you must meet the following usage requirements:
- Use ACP benefit each month - Make sure to use your Whoop Connect service at least once every 30 days. If your account remains dormant for 60+ days, it will be deactivated.
- Recertify eligibility annually - Confirm you still qualify for ACP every 12 months. Provide updated eligibility documentation.
- Report household changes - Inform Whoop Connect if you move or someone else in your household gets ACP benefits from another provider.
- Follow ACP rules - Comply with all Affordable Connectivity Program terms, conditions and FCC regulations.
- Pay applicable fees - You are responsible for sales tax and processing fees ($10-$50) on the tablet.
Staying active in the program ensures you continue receiving benefits without disruption.
What to Do If Your Application is Rejected
Whoop Connect may reject your ACP application for the following reasons:
- Incomplete documentation
- Blurry or illegible documents
- Income too high
- Already receiving Lifeline subsidy
- Another household member enrolled
- Wrong address or state
- Under 18 years old
Here's what to do if your application gets rejected:
- Review errors - Check the rejection notice for details on why you were denied.
- Confirm eligibility - Make sure you meet all ACP eligibility requirements.
- Collect new documents - Replace any unclear or rejected documents.
- Reapply - Submit a new application and documentation through the proper channels.
- Appeal decision - You can appeal the rejection decision if you believe it was made in error.
Don't get discouraged if denied the first time. Mistakes happen. Just review the requirements, fix any issues and reapply for Whoop Connect ACP.
Whoop Connect Phone Selection and Compatibility
Although Whoop Connect doesn't offer free phones with ACP, you can purchase discounted devices or bring your own phone. Here are some things to consider:
Phone Options
Whoop Connect has a variety of basic, smartphones and flip phones available to ACP customers at reduced rates, including:
- NUU F4L flip phone
- BLU C5L
- Alcatel REVVL 4
- LG Aristo 5
- Apple iPhone 8/XR/11
- Samsung Galaxy A11/A01
- Motorola G7
You can also browse their phones and compare prices at www.whoopconnect.com.
Compatibility
To use your own phone, it must be:
- Unlocked for GSM networks
- Compatible with LTE bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71
- Not reported lost, stolen or blacklisted
Whoop Connect uses T-Mobile and Sprint's networks. Refer to their BYOD page for details on bringing your own device.
Choosing an affordable device that works well on their network will help maximize your ACP benefits.
Other Ways to Get a Free Phone
Since Whoop Connect doesn't offer a free smartphone through ACP, here are some other options:
- Lifeline + ACP - Some carriers like QLink Wireless provide free phones if you qualify for both Lifeline and ACP.
- Provider deals - Switch to a new provider that offers free phones for new customers or lines.
- Manufacturer rebates - Look for phone brands offering rebates that can make devices free or almost free.
- Facebook Marketplace - Find lightly used devices for free or cheap on buy and sell apps.
- Friends and family - Ask around to see if you can get a used phone for free from your network.
- Contests and rewards - Enter competitions by companies and brands giving away free phones as prizes.
- Review programs - Apply to provide feedback on new products in exchange for free samples.
- School donations - Schools and nonprofits sometimes collect device donations and distribute to students in need.
With some persistence, you may be able to find a free phone through one of these alternative methods.
Applying for Whoop Connect ACP: FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting a Whoop Connect tablet and service through the Affordable Connectivity Program:
How long does approval take?
Whoop Connect will review and verify your ACP application within 1-2 business days. You'll receive an email once approved or denied.
When will I get the free tablet?
The tablet will ship 7-10 business days after your application is approved. Allow additional time for delivery.
Can someone else use the tablet?
No. ACP benefits are non-transferable. Only approved members of your household can use the discounted service and tablet.
Do I need to pay for service?
You'll get the first month free. After that, phone service is $10/month with auto pay thanks to the ACP discount.
Can I switch plans later?
Yes, you can change your Whoop Connect plan anytime without penalty. The $30 ACP discount will apply to any monthly plan.
Can I upgrade my phone later?
Definitely! You can purchase a new discounted device after the minimum 3-month service period.
Will my credit be checked?
No. Whoop Connect does not perform credit checks to provide ACP discounted service.
How do I cancel service?
You can cancel anytime by calling or chatting with Whoop Connect customer support. No early termination fees.
Using ACP with Whoop Connect makes staying connected more affordable! Take advantage of this great government benefit program.
Summary
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides an invaluable opportunity for lower income consumers to get discounted internet access. With Whoop Connect's ACP offer, you can get:
- A free 8-inch Android tablet after paying taxes and fees between $10 - $50
- Unlimited talk, text and 15GB of monthly data for just $10/month
- No contracts, credit checks or cancellation fees
To qualify, you must show proof of eligibility such as income below 200% of the federal poverty line or participation in government assistance programs. Gather required documents, complete the application at www.whoopconnect.com/acp and get approved for discounted rates.
Although Whoop Connect doesn't offer free smartphones with ACP, you can find good deals on phones to use with your plan. This will allow you to maximize the value of the program.
Affordable Connectivity Program provides help to those who need it most. So take advantage of this opportunity to get a free tablet and phone service at a heavily reduced rate. Stay connected with Whoop Connect!
