The Federal Communications Commission announced on Friday that it has approved funds to provide online grants for low-income families by setting up the Broadband Emergency Program.
The FCC says the program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $ 50 per month for broadband service and up to $ 75 per month if the household is on tribal land. It will also provide a one-time discount of up to $ 100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households, the FCC added.
The FCC says the program is open to Lifeline subscribers, including those who are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits; households with children who receive free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast; Recipients of the Pell grant; and those who have lost their jobs and seen low incomes in the last year.
The program will cost $ 3.2 billion.
“This is a program that will help those at risk of digital disconnection. It will help those who park their cars in the parking lots just to catch a Wi-Fi signal to go online to work, “said FCC President Jessica Rosenworcel. “It will help those who stay out of the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for distance learning. It will help those who are worried about choosing between paying a broadband bill and paying rent or buying food. In short, this program can make a significant difference in the lives of people across the country. ”
The program will start within 60 days. The FCC has not yet released an enrollment program, but when the updated information will be available by clicking Here.
Justin Boggs is a writer for the EW Scripps National Bureau. Follow him on Twitter @jjboggs or on Facebook.