More than four million households have been enrolled in the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), which it says is the nation’s largest broadband affordability program to date. The $3.2 billion subsidy program initiated by Congress provides a temporary $50 to $75 discount on eligible households’ internet bills during the duration of the pandemic.
Over 1100 broadband providers have agreed to take part in the EBB program. The benefit is available to eligible new, prior, and existing customers of participating providers.
Customers can sign up by contacting a participating provider, enroll online at https://www.getemergencybroadband.org, or sign up via mail. To learn more or learn where to access a mail-in application, call (833) 511-0311.
“We knew from the beginning that the success of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program would largely depend on mobilizing trusted on-the-ground advocates and community leaders. With more than four million enrolled households in less than three months, I say we’re on the right track,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.
Since the program’s inception, the FCC has found ways to increase awareness and educate consumers, providers, and advocates about it. Agency staff have conducted over 320 virtual public presentations—ranging from smaller localized events for community groups and libraries — to larger trainer style events with national non-profit organizations. Also, the FCC enlisted over 25,000 partners ranging from local Boys and Girls clubs, school districts, libraries, YMCAs, food banks, Meals on Wheels and grass roots organizers and more to help the agency spread the word about the EBB.
The agency provided outreach partners with a customizable toolkit that includes a variety of materials to use. Those materials are available in English and Spanish, along with 13 other languages.
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