T-Mobile Joins FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
T-Mobile has announced it is joining the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, to provide low-cost service.
The FCC announced its Emergency Broadband Benefit program will start on May 12. The program is designed to provide a discount of up to $50 ($75 on tribal lands) to help low-income families have access to broadband internet. High-speed internet access is more important than ever, as countless individuals work from home and engage in remote learning.
T-Mobile has joined the FCC’s program, making its services available under its main brand, as well as subsidiaries.
When enrollment opens on May 12, qualified T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Assurance Wireless and Sprint brand consumer and government customers in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands may be eligible for an up to $50 discount (up to $75 on tribal lands) per household on service each month on qualified plans for the duration of the program.
Commentary
After nearly four months of work, the FCC s Emergency
Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) is poised to launch. Nearly 750
providers are qualified to offer EBB-supported services, with
discounts of up to $50 per subscriber ($75 in tribal areas) and
equipment reimbursement of up to $100 available. The FCC recently
conducted a webinar for consumer groups and outreach partners about
the program, and USAC has been testing connectivity with eligible
providers for the past couple of weeks. Earlier today, the FCC
announced that the EBBP will launch on Wednesday, May 12,
2021. Providers participating in the EBBP can begin enrolling
eligible households into the program to receive supported
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP, Getty Images
Low-income U.S. households can enroll in the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) starting May 12.
Spotted by Ars Technica, the agency announced the arrival of its much-needed program Thursday alongside a brand new website. The benefit provides eligible households with a discount of up to $US50 ($65) a month on their broadband plan, and up to $US75 ($97) a month if the household is on tribal lands.
The EBB also provides a one-time discount of up to $US100 ($130) on a computer or tablet for eligible households. However, to take advantage of that requires a co-payment between $US10 ($13) and $US50 ($65).
LongIsland.com
Affordability is a key issue in the fight for universal broadband, as many families cannot afford to pay for broadband service in their homes. Photo by: Shutterstock Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has signed legislation establishing the first-in-the-nation requirement for affordable internet for qualifying low-income families, as proposed in the 2021 State of the State. This legislation requires providers operating in New York State to offer $15/month high-speed internet to low-income families across the state. New Yorkers qualifying for this affordable internet program include households who are eligible or receiving free or reduced-price lunch, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, Medicaid benefits, the senior citizen or disability rent increase exemptions, or an affordability benefit from a utility. It also requires providers to report to the Public Service Commission annually on their offers and uptake.
Gov Cuomo signs bill establishing affordable internet program for low-income families weny.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from weny.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.