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May 11, 2021 | 11:54 AM
Washington, D.C. – Beginning tomorrow, May 12, low-income households can fill out an online application for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. This is not a state, county, or city-operated program and local governments have nothing to do with the qualifying or application process. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner. Residents can apply directly through their current broadband provider or find local companies at getemergencybroadband.org To go directly to the link with details on qualification, click here. Eligible households can receive the following: Up to a $50 per month discount on broadband service and associated equipment rentals A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less t
The past year, a lot of people were laid off or otherwise unable to pay for basic necessities. So the stimulus package passed by Congress in December included a provision to pay for broadband and other basic tech for those who, because of job loss or other financial difficulties, can’t afford to pay for it on their own. And starting this week, if you qualify, you can take advantage of it.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is being administered by the FCC and offers a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills up to $50 a month (or $75 if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands). If your income qualifies, you can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 for a computer or a tablet.
FCC begins rollout of $10B in connectivity aid through emergency funds
After months of deliberations, the FCC is ready to start helping people cover the cost of broadband and connected devices through two emergency funds amounting to more than $10 billion. If your household has trouble paying for internet access or shares a single computer, or your wallet has just had a rough year, you probably qualify for help.
The two distinct programs are the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program and the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. They sound similar, and in a general sense they do similar things, but they’re distinct programs intended to help close the connectivity gap in America, especially for those most adversely affected by the pandemic.
What Is Emergency Broadband Benefit? New Stimulus Discount Can Help Pay For Internet Monthly
KEY POINTS
The program would provide a one-time $100 discount to buy a computer or tablet
Eligible households can enroll in the program from May 12
Eligible low-income families may receive a monthly discount on their internet bills as part of a new stimulus measure that would kick in this week.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit was included as part of the roughly $900 billion COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress in December last year. This program is run by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and under it, the agency will provide monthly internet subsidies for low-income families to ensure access to essential resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic.