The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which will provide free Internet to low-income families during the COVID emergency, will begin accepting enrollments on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at: https://www.getemergencybroadband.org/.
Program Summary:
EBB subsidies will be up to $50/month for Internet access, and up to $100 toward the purchase of a connected device (computer or tablet) from an EBB provider. Only one Internet subsidy is eligible per household. Only one connected device subsidy is eligible per household.
Application Process:
Applicants will first determine if they qualify for EBB benefits: https://www.getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify/. If the consumer is already receiving federal Lifeline benefits or participating in a vendor’s existing low-income or COVID-relief Internet program, they may not need to apply again for EBB. The consumer should reach out to their existing Lifeline or low-income Internet provider for direction.
There are 3 ways to apply for EBB benefits beginning May 12, 2021:
- Online at: https://www.getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/
- Mailing an application
- Contacting a EBB Participating Provider to enroll (using the Companies Near Me tool)
Longevity of EBB:
This is a Temporary Program. Before families apply, it is important to understand that the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will end when the fund runs out of money or six months after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner. Participating households will need to opt-in to continue receiving broadband services from their provider after the program ends. If a household chooses to continue receiving service after the end of the EBB, they will be billed the broadband provider’s general monthly rate.
Donload the EBB Flyer here.
