In a Public Notice, the FCC announced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program’s launch. Starting May 12, 2021, EBB program participating providers can begin enrolling eligible households to receive EBB-supported service. Households can check program eligibility at www.GetEmergencyBroadband.org. Participating providers gained access to EBB Program systems on April 19, 2021.
The EBB Program will provide eligible households discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service, up to $75 a month for households on Tribal lands, and will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.
The FCC states that the EBB Program is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband provider; Lifeline subscribers, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits; 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.
