Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) highlighted the launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program and urged eligible constituents to enroll to receive a discount on their monthly internet bill.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, created with the help of Rep. Axne, will help economically vulnerable Americans afford their monthly internet bill by providing a discount of $50 off the monthly cost of home internet service and offering subsidies for the purchase of a computer or other internet-enabled devices.
“The pandemic has made access to reliable, high-speed internet more important than ever as people have begun to work, take classes, speak with their doctor and even order groceries online,” said Rep. Axne. “I encourage anyone who needs high-speed internet at home to see if they qualify for this new program, and then sign up by contacting their internet provider. This new program will help ensure everyone who needs it has access to reliable high-speed internet service that they can actually afford.”
The subsidy is available to people who lost jobs or substantial income during the pandemic, who already receive subsidized internet programs like Lifeline, or those with a lower income who receive food stamps, Medicaid or have an income below 135% of the federal poverty level.
The program was created as part of the omnibus appropriations bill that passed the House in December. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that open enrollment in the program was available beginning yesterday, May 12.
Households interested in learning whether they qualify are encouraged to visit the FCC’s new enrollment website – https://getemergencybroadband.org/– and then sign up for the program through their internet service provider.
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