Affordable Internet

March 10, 2021

Access to the internet is a modern must-have for business, school, and leisure. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored why everyone needs reliable and affordable internet access. Remote work, remote learning, and even remote socializing are fixtures of pandemic life – leaving those unable to afford an internet connection behind and alone.

The Federal Communications Commission has created the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to assist Americans with paying for broadband service. While the program has not yet started, the FCC has released eligibility criteria. You may be eligible to receive Emergency Broadband Benefit funds if someone in your household:

• Has experienced a significant drop in income during 2020. (Your household income must be below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers);
• Is a student who receives a Pell Grant for higher education;
• Is eligible for Lifeline (another FCC program aimed at increasing internet access for low income Americans);
• Is a student who receives free or reduced cost lunches through USDA.

If you qualify, the program provides up to $50/month toward internet service and $100 toward the purchase of a device (such as a computer, laptop, or tablet). Participating vendors and servicers will be announced by the FCC at a later date.

If you or someone you know is struggling to afford internet access or does not have it at all, I recommend looking into the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. For the full eligibility criteria and more information, visit https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.