Idabel Public Schools

Today, the FCC voted to formally adopt a Report and Order that establishes the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, a $3.2 billion federal initiative to provide qualifying households discounts on their internet service bills and an opportunity to receive a discount on a computer or tablet. 

“Today the Federal Communications Commission made history. It adopted rules for the nation’s largest-ever program to help households nationwide afford broadband service. This $3.2 billion program was designed to lower the cost of high-speed internet service for those struggling to get the connectivity they need during the ongoing pandemic. It’s a challenge that is all too real for too many families. 

“This is a program that will help those at risk of digital disconnection. It will help those sitting in cars in parking lots just to catch a Wi-Fi signal to go online for work. It will help those lingering outside the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for remote learning. It will help those who worry about choosing between paying a broadband bill and paying rent or buying groceries. In short, this program can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across the country. That’s why our work is already underway to get this program up and running, and I expect it to be open to eligible households within the next 60 days as providers sign up and program systems are put in place. I have confidence in our staff that we will do this carefully, swiftly and the right way,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. 

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service, and up to $75 a month if the household is on Tribal lands. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households. 

Under the law, the Emergency Broadband Benefit 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. 

 The Order creates the eligibility criteria and other important rules for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. The agency also released a fact sheet that can be found here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-370324A1.pdf

A household is eligible if one member of the household:  

• Qualifies for the Lifeline program.  

• Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.  

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.  

• Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers. 

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers’ existing low-income or COVID-19 program. 

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household. 

The FCC has not established a start date for consumer enrollment. Check the FCC website, www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, regularly for the latest information.  

Households must contact their service providers directly.  There is no action on the part of the school, library or health care organization except to get the word out to those in your community.