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Families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who cannot afford internet access can now apply for Emergency Broadband Benefits, or EBB.
Those who are approved for the EBB program will receive a discount of up to $50 per month to use toward broadband service. Households on qualifying tribal lands may be eligible to receive up to $75 per month. Recipients can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to be used for the purchase of a computer or tablet from participating providers if they pay more than $10 but less than $50 of the device's purchase price.
"Access to the internet = access to opportunity. But many families are struggling with the cost of internet service. Good news: Enrollment for Emergency Broadband Benefits begins today," U.S Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston) said in a May 12 Tweet.
To qualify for EBB, households need to meet at least one of the criteria spelled out in the program's federal guidelines, such as having an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, experiencing a significant loss of income due to job loss or furlough during the pandemic, participating in certain assistance programs like Medicaid or SNAP or receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
"The pandemic has made it clear that broadband is no longer 'nice-to-have,' it's 'need-to-have,'" FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement.
The internet has played a particularly vital role during the coronavirus pandemic. It made it possible for millions of Americans to work or attend school remotely, connect with loved ones amidst lockdowns, access telehealth services, stay up to date on important news and information and make purchases safely from home. Nonetheless, a Pew Research Center survey conducted earlier this year found that 7% of U.S adults are not currently using the internet. Household income, age and educational attainment were cited as the primary factors in determining a person's likelihood to have access to the web.
"Internet access is essential for modern American life," Rosenworcel said. "Millions of Americans are offline, and millions more are struggling to afford broadband service. Thanks to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, help is on the way."
EBB will provide up to $3.2 billion in consumer discounts to be used on broadband services and equipment. According to the FCC, the program will run either until the federal funding is exhausted or until six months after the pandemic is declared to be over by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Those who are eligible for EBB can apply for the program online or by contacting their service provider directly. A mail-in application can also be requested by calling (833) 511-0311.
There are currently 825 broadband providers participating in Emergency Broadband Benefits. Individuals who receive an eligibility determination should then contact their provider to choose an EBB-eligible plan, the FCC said.