More than 300 internet service providers are taking part in the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. At last count, 319 providers offering broadband service in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and half of U.S. territories will participate in the program, the Commission said Thursday. The companies volunteered to offer broadband supported by the federal benefit to households.
The $3.2 billion EBB program was designed to lower the cost of high-speed internet service for those struggling to afford broadband connectivity during the pandemic. The program gives eligible households discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service, and up to $75 a month if the household is on tribal land. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.
FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said this is the first wave of accepted providers and expects more to come. “Every day we are approving additional interested providers, developing the program systems to make it available for consumer sign-up, and working hard to ensure that eligible households most at risk of digital disconnection can soon take advantage of this benefit.”
The list of accepted providers is divided by state. Among other information, it designates whether fixed or mobile broadband is offered.
Under the law, the EBB program is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband provider and Lifeline subscribers, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits. It’s also open to households with kids receiving free and reduced-price lunch or school breakfast, Pell grant recipients, and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year.
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