Media Contact: 
Paloma Perez
Paloma.Perez@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

MORE THAN 6 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS ENROLL IN EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM 
Since Mid-May, Hundreds of Thousands of Households Per Week Sign Up for Internet Discounts
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WASHINGTON, September 28, 2021—FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced today the FCC has enrolled over six million low-income households into the country’s largest broadband affordability program.  Since mid-May millions of families who previously could not get online or struggled to pay for this modern-day necessity are now connected.  The temporary subsidy program initiated by Congress provides discounts of $50 (and up to $75 on Tribal lands) to qualifying households on their monthly internet bill, and some Emergency Broadband Benefit providers also offer a one-time $100 discount on a computer, laptop, or connected device. 

“The response to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program confirms what many of us knew to be true: too many families remain offline because it’s too expensive for their monthly budget,” said Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “Now, thanks to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, millions of kids can better keep up with their schoolwork, parents can train for their next jobs, and patients can stay in contact with their doctors. The FCC is not stopping until we reach as many eligible families so they too can get the support they need." 

Nearly 1200 broadband providers have agreed to take part in the program. The benefit is available to eligible new, prior, and existing customers of participating providers. Customers can sign up by contacting a participating provider, enroll online at https://www.getemergencybroadband.org, or sign up via mail. To learn more or learn where to access a mail-in application, call (833) 511-0311. 

Households can qualify several ways such as through their use of existing assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Lifeline or if a child relies on certain reduced-price school meals programs.  The Emergency Broadband Benefit is also available to households who are eligible for a broadband provider’s existing COVID relief program, to those who have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, and to those low-income households who suffered a large loss in income during the pandemic due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020. 
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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).