Tucked deep inside the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill signed into law by then-President Trump last December was $3.2 billion to give some Americans a break on internet costs.
And this week, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is officially open for business and set to offer qualified internet users a break on their monthly bills. The program will provide a price break of up to $50 a month on broadband service ($75 on qualifying tribal lands) and a one-time benefit of up to $100 towards a new computer.
Broadband advocates were quick to hail the program as a first step toward closing the deep disparities in internet access and speeds depending on where you live.
The program will “help narrow the broadband affordability gap for low-income households in the short-term” said Olivia Wein, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, in a statement Tuesday but added that “a permanent affordability solution is urgently needed.”
Two of the key lawmakers behind the program, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D., N.J.) and Mike Doyle (D., Pa.) said they are "thrilled that the FCC is implementing [the program] quickly."