Area Low Income Residents Can Now Sign Up for Broadband Subsidy

If you are a low income local resident or those who lost income during the COVID-19 pandemic - good news.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced April 30, 2021 that low income qualifiers can sign up for a $50-per-month broadband subsidy starting on May 12.

The FCC also set up a new website at which qualifiers can sign up for the subsidies.

"As of May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting FCC Emergency Broadband Subsidy Program," the FCC wrote in a press release.

U.S. Congress approved the subsidies back in December 2020, but it took a few months for the FCC to set up the program. The FCC had previously said enrollment would begin at the end of April.

Check out this list of providers to determine whether your ISP is participating in the discount program. There's also a "Companies Near Me" tool that will become active closer to the May 12 start date.

"The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service, and up to $75 a month if the household is on Tribal lands. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households," the FCC said.

The subsidies will not last indefinitely. They "will end when the fund runs out of money or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner," the FCC program website mentioned.

To learn more, go here to read the rest of the story: FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program