Program Helps Pay for Broadband Access
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new program to help people pay for broadband access. The Emergency Broadband Benefit program will help people struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting them to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms and more. The program provides discounts of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The program also provides one-time discounts of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Each qualifying household is eligible for a monthly service discount and one device discount. Information on who is eligible, approved providers, and how to apply can be found at fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.