FCC Launches New Program To Help Connect Households to Broadband Internet

A new program has been launched by the FCC to help households get high-speed internet. The program provides up to $50/month to eligible households for their internet service. Here are more details on the program: The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband internet service for eligible households. Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time device discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Households must first contribute at least $10 (but not more than $50) toward the purchase price. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Who is eligible? A household is eligible if a member of the household meets ONE of the criteria below: Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline. Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program. This includes through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year. Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year. Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020. And the household had a total income in 2020 was at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers. Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program. For more information, or to apply for the program, visit this website: https://getemergencybroadband.org/ Photo via NASA