Media Contact: 
Travis Litman, (202) 418-2400
Travis.Litman@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release


STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL ON 
FCC SEEKING COMMENT ON EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT


WASHINGTON, January 4, 2021:  Today, the Federal Communications Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Public Notice seeking comment on a program to provide an Emergency Broadband Benefit to eligible households pursuant to the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act.  Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel issued the following statement in response:

“This pandemic has demonstrated that access to broadband is no longer nice-to-have, it is need-to-have for everyone, everywhere.  But the truth is the cost of broadband service can be a hardship for many families, especially during the ongoing crisis.  According to the Pew Research Center, almost one-third of broadband users and one-third of smartphone users report they worry about not being able to afford service during this pandemic.  With so much of modern life now dependent on internet access, no one should have to choose between paying a broadband bill and paying rent or buying groceries. 

The good news is that we have new tools to help.  As required by law, today the FCC takes its first step establishing the Emergency Broadband Benefit by seeking public input.  It’s not a moment too soon.  We need to find ways to get 100% of us connected in this country and this program is an essential part of making that happen.” 


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Office of Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel: (202) 418-2400
Twitter: @JRosenworcel
www.fcc.gov/leadership/jessica-rosenworcel

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.  See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).