As part of the Digital Marin initiative, Marin Promise Partnership is passing along materials that you can use to help your community access discounted services.
Background: The Federal Communications Commission launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Why Outreach is Important: We’ve seen how the lack of reliable connectivity causes low-income households to struggle with remote learning, work from home opportunities, telehealth programs, and access to services that transitioned exclusively online. In addition to efforts already underway in Marin, this program is another way to tackle those issues. Although eligible households must work with their internet providers to obtain the benefit, government, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and other similar groups play a key role in getting the word out to those who will benefit from EBB.
Timing: Since the program just launched May 12th, we’re asking that you assist with outreach as soon as possible.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, or by calling 833-511-0311.
