March 12, 2021
$3.2 Billion Provided for Increased Broadband Access
Looking to close the digital divide, which impacts so many rural and low-income families, the Federal Trade Commission has announced an Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that will provide $3.2 billion for discounts on internet service bills and computers for eligible households. Families with a Pell Grant recipient are among the many households who automatically qualify for the benefit.
Set to roll out next month, the program will provide discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service and up to $75 a month for families who live on Tribal lands. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.
In addition to this broad expansion for internet access, the American Rescue Plan provides $7 billion in funding for the E-Rate program to support emergency broadband connectivity and devices for schools and libraries. While not directly targeted to colleges, the E-Rate program continues to address the digital divide that plagues rural communities and low-income families. The pandemic and the national move to online learning only exacerbated the consequences of this disparity.
Set to roll out next month, the program will provide discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service and up to $75 a month for families who live on Tribal lands. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.
In addition to this broad expansion for internet access, the American Rescue Plan provides $7 billion in funding for the E-Rate program to support emergency broadband connectivity and devices for schools and libraries. While not directly targeted to colleges, the E-Rate program continues to address the digital divide that plagues rural communities and low-income families. The pandemic and the national move to online learning only exacerbated the consequences of this disparity.