The Federal Communications Commission approved a $3.2Bn grant today to provide a $50 monthly grant for qualifying residential broadband customers.
The grant, known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, will extend a $50 a month stipend to qualifying customers and a one-time $100 stipend for the purchase of a new computer.
Under the law, the EBBP 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
- Those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year.
Applicants should be eligible to apply within the next 60 days as cooperatives and internet service providers register with the FCC to participate in the program.
Additional information is available here. [PDF]