news

Sterling, VA -- Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) announced the launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The temporary benefit, a part of Congress’ COVID relief efforts, will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the ongoing pandemic.

“When COVID forced us to work, learn, and socialize online rather than in person this past year, many Virginia families were left behind because of a lack of access to broadband,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “Fighting to address this digital divide has been a priority for me in our recent COVID relief efforts, and I am proud to announce that the Emergency Broadband Benefit program is now open to help families afford broadband services and devices to stay connected during this difficult time. This program will enable those who face financial barriers to accessing broadband to get connected as we continue to work towards achieving universal broadband.”

The $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to a $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: 

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application. Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week.

###