FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program enrolls over one million households in its first week

The recently launched $3.2 billion FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) enrolled over one million households in its first week of operation. Over 900 providers are participating in the program and enrollments include households in all 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. 

The EBB program reimburses eligible carriers $50 per month ($75 per month on Tribal lands) to provide discounted broadband service and $100 reimbursement for a connected device (e.g. computer or tablet) to low-income households during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The high demand we’ve seen for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program demonstrates what many of us already knew to be true – too many families are struggling to get online, even in 2021,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Help is here. As an agency, we’re continuing to focus our efforts on reaching as many communities as possible, so they can get the support they need.”

Links:

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program enrolls over one million households (FCC, May 21, 2021)

FCC announces May 12 launch date for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (Speed Matters, May 3, 2021)