NAICU Washington Update

Pell Students Automatically Eligible for Broadband Subsidy Program

May 14, 2021

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that Pell Grant students automatically qualify to participate in the new broadband subsidy program created under the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. The FCC is now accepting applications to the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program, which provides discounts for broadband services and certain devices to help low-income households, including students, stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Under the program, eligible individuals may receive discounts of up to $50 per month for internet service. Individuals who contribute between $10 and $50 toward the purchase price of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers may also be eligible for a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase price of such a device.

Eligible individuals can apply for the program at GetEmergencyBroadband.org or via a participating provider. For more information about eligibility, see the FCC’s website.

The Emergency Broadband Benefits Program is supported under an Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund of $3.2 billion that Congress established in order to help individuals afford internet service during the pandemic. The temporary program will remain in place until the funds are expended. 
 

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