As a result of the COVID-19 relief package passed in December, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is developing a program to provide relief to households struggling to pay for internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is called the Emergency Broadband Benefit, and will provide a monthly discount toward broadband service for eligible households and one-time discounts for the purchase of certain devices from participating providers.
The FCC has a new website with information about the program at fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit. As the program is developed, the website will continue to be updated with the latest resources and information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit. As part of the effort to inform people about this new benefit, the FCC is looking for stakeholders to sign up to promote the program. If you and your organization are interested, you can sign up to become an Outreach Partner on the website.
Last week, Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel convened a virtual roundtable discussion to gather input on how to structure the new Emergency Broadband program. View information about that roundtable.
If you would like more information about the Emergency Broadband Program, you can contact the FCC at [email protected] or visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit. For those who use American Sign Language, you may call the FCC Consumer ASL Line at 844-432-2275.
