A total of 319 ISPs in the US have signed up already for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Set up by the FCC, the programme will offer subsidised internet service to low-income households affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The FCC said providers offering broadband service in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and half of US territories are participating already. They have voluntarily opted to offer broadband supported by the federal benefit to households. The list includes some of the country's largest operators, including Comcast, AT&T, Windstream, T-Mobile and Verizon. More ISPs are expected to sign up over time.
A total budget of USD 3.2 billion is available for the programme. It will provide eligible households with discounts of up to USD 50 a month for broadband service, and up to USD 75 a month if the household is on Tribal lands. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to USD 100 on a computer or tablet.
The subsidy is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief programme 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; and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year.
