| As we celebrate Older Americans Month and our “Communities of Strength” let us take a moment to address a component of strong communities clearly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic: Access to reliable and affordable broadband service. With heightened reliance on the internet for everything from at-home learning to online doctor’s appointments, the ability to access the internet became a necessity and yet for many this vital service was out of reach. Enter the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) that will start on May 12, 2021. What you need to know: · -EBB provides eligible households a monthly discount of up to $50 (up to $75 for households on Tribal lands” towards broadband service. -Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or a tablet from participating proviers if they contribute at lease $10 but no more than $50 toward the purchase price. –More information about the program including eligibility is available at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit -The application will be available online starting May 12, 220 at www.getemergencybroadband.org –Got questions? The FCC has answers – https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit. · -For a list of providers visit www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers to learn more about who has been approved to provide this benefit in your state. This list is updated frequently. -If you’re a service provider who would like to help promote the program, check out the FCC’s toolkit for partners at www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-outreach-toolkit. These materials are available in a variety of languages – these are listed in the toolkit. Find Out More HERE |