FCC Emergency Program Helps Families Pay for Broadband

This week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rolled out a temporary program to help families pay for internet service during the pandemic.

The Port of Whitman County encourages Whitman County residents to learn if they qualify and apply.

The program provides a discount on broadband services of:

• Up to $50 per month 
• Up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands
• Up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider

A household is eligible if one member:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain government assistance programs
• Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program

There are three ways to apply. You may contact your preferred local internet provider to ask about their application process; go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org or complete a mail-in application and send it along with proof of eligibility to:

Emergency Broadband Support Center

P.O. Box 7081

London, KY 40742

For more information, please call 833-511-0311 or visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.