Beginning May 12, families that do not have, or cannot afford, high-speed broadband in their place of residence may apply for temporary assistance through the Federal Communications Commission Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.
Eligible households will be able to receive up to a $50 per month discount on an eligible internet service plan. Households on Tribal lands can receive up to a $75 discount. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) participating in this program are also offering discounts on the purchase of certain devices.
The Western New York Library Resources Council has created an EBB guide with information and resources to help individuals navigate the various features of the program, from determining eligibility to finding and completing an application. Some important things to know:
-
Households can sign up for the EBB program through the participating provider’s website, by applying online through the National Verifier or through the mail.
-
There is an Emergency Broadband Support Center with a hotline 833-511-0311 and an email (EBBHelp@USAC.org) where they will answer questions for all interested parties. The hotline is open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
Upon the start of the program, households or consumer-based organizations will be able to obtain the EBB application online.