TheEmergency Broadband Benefit will help households that cannot afford internet service during the pandemic.
The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but especially on those who cannot afford basic necessities like internet service. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will help these households get the internet service they need. This benefit will go a long way towards helping families during this difficult time.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit would offer eligible households a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $50 and up to $75 for households on eligible tribal grounds.
With many schools across the country closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Emergency Broadband Benefit will help ensure that students can participate in distance learning. The benefit will also help low-income households stay connected to critical resources and information during the pandemic.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a much-needed measure to help close the digital divide in the United States. However, the benefit is only temporary and will expire after six months. After the benefit expires, many low-income households will still be unable to afford broadband service. It is important that we find a way to close the digital divide permanently so that everyone can have access to the internet.
Households that are eligible for this program can also receive a one-time discount 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. This program is designed to help households get access to the internet and computer devices so that they can participate in online learning and distance education opportunities.
Who Is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
Assuming you are referring to the US Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, low-income households, Tribal nations, and those living on federally recognized Tribal lands are eligible. The program provides a discount of up to $50 per month on their internet bill and/or $75 per month on a low-income household’s internet bill. To be eligible, one member of the household must have lost a job, been furloughed, or had a decrease in income due to the pandemic.
Low-income households have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. They are more likely to have lost their jobs or been furloughed. They are also more likely to have had a decrease in income. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will help them afford the internet so they can stay connected.
Which Broadband Providers Are Participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit?
Broadband providers are stepping up to help low-income households during the pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a $50-per-month subsidy for eligible households to help cover the cost of broadband service.
Major providers like AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon are all participating in the program, which is administered by the FCC. But there are also a number of smaller providers that are signed up to offer the subsidy.
Some of the smaller providers include:
- Altice USA
- Armstrong
- Consolidated
- Cox
- Frontier
- Google Fiber
- Mediacom
- Optimum
- Spectrum
- Verizon Fios
No matter which provider you choose, the Emergency Broadband Benefit can help make sure you can stay connected during the pandemic.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (American Sign Language)
How to apply to Emergency Broadband Benefit
According to the FCC, as many as 30 million Americans do not have access to broadband internet, which has become an essential service during the pandemic. To help close the digital divide, the FCC has created the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Here’s how to apply:
1. Visit the Emergency Broadband Benefit site.
2. Enter your information, including your address, to see if you qualify.
3. If you qualify, you will be asked to provide proof of eligibility.
4. Once you have been approved, you will be able to choose your provider and plan.
5. You will then be able to enroll and start receiving the benefit.
If you need help applying, you can contact the National Broadband Helpline via email [email protected] or call 833-511-0311.
Spectrum phone number: 888-615-0301
Spectrum bill pay phone number
While the spectrum bill pay phone number is a helpful resource, there are other ways to pay your bill at (833) 267-6094.
