Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel Proposes Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Rules

Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel circulated a Report and Order that, if adopted, would establish the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, a $3.2 billion federal initiative to provide qualifying households discounts on their internet service bills and an opportunity to receive a discount on a computer or tablet. The proposed Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Report and Order:

• Opens the program to all types of broadband providers;
• Requires providers to deliver the qualifying broadband service to eligible households to receive reimbursement from the Program; and
• Encourages eligible households to affirmatively indicate their interest in the program.

Households are eligible when a member of the household:

• Qualifies for the FCC’s Lifeline program;
• Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers’ existing low-income or COVID-19 program.