FCC Seeks Public Input On New $3.2 Billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

On December 27, 2020, President Donald Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Consolidated Appropriations Act or Act). Section 904 of Division N – Additional Coronavirus Response and Relief, Title IX – Broadband Internet Access Service, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act establishes an Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund of $3.2 billion and directs the Federal Communications Commission to use that fund to establish an Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, under which eligible households may receive a discount off the cost of broadband service and certain connected devices during an emergency period relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and participating providers can receive a reimbursement for such discounts. The Act also directs the FCC to provide a public comment period of 20 days and a public reply comment period of 20 days before establishing the rules for this program.3 By this public notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) seeks comment on the provision of assistance from the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund and through the Emergency Benefit Program and other related matters, consistent with the Congressional directive. In structuring the program, the FCC seeks input on a range of issues including:

• Which providers can participate in the program and what do such providers need to do to elect to participate?
• How should the FCC set up an expedited process for approving broadband providers for areas where they are not eligible telecommunications carriers?
• How should the Commission and providers track participating households and verify that they are eligible?
• What services and connected devices are eligible for reimbursement from the program?
• How should the Commission structure the reimbursement process?  What rules are needed to ensure appropriate service on Tribal lands?
• How should the Commission and participating providers promote awareness of the program?
• What requirements are needed for robust auditing and enforcement of federal rules?
• What reporting requirements are needed both during the program and at its conclusion?

Comments Due: January 25, 2021 Reply Comments Due: February 16, 2021 (WC Docket No. 20-445)