this movement comes after the pandemic has further exposed technological inequalities.
The FCC on Thursday unanimously voted to establish the $ 3.2 billion Broadband Emergency Benefits Program, which aims to offer discounts to households that collect Internet bills. It will also provide some homes with the opportunity to receive a discounted computer or tablet.
Acting President Jessica Rosenworcel said the FCC “has made history” by creating the rules “for the nation’s largest program to help homes across the country pay for broadband service.”
“It will help those sitting in cars in the parking lots just to catch a Wi-Fi signal to connect to work over the Internet. It will help those who are out of the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for the “They are concerned about choosing between paying a broadband bill and paying rent or buying groceries,” he added in a statement. “In short, this program can make a significant difference in the lives of people across the country.”
The program offers discounts of up to $ 50 a month for broadband service and up to $ 75 a month if the home is on tribal land. In addition, it will set a one-time discount of up to $ 100 for computers or tablets for eligible households.
Eligible households include those with children who receive free, reduced-price school lunches or breakfasts, those who receive the Skin Scholarship, and those who have lost their jobs or reduced their income over the past year, according to the FCC. In addition, the program is open to households participating in an existing pandemic or low-income relief program offered by a broadband provider, as well as current subscribers to FCC Lifeline support for the affordable communications program. .
The FCC said it intends to open the program to those who need it within 60 days. More information on how to apply for the FCC website should be available in the coming weeks.
“I trust our staff that we will do it carefully, quickly and in the right way,” Rosenworcel said.