Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The FCC has announced the start date of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. On May 12, 2021 eligible households will be able to enroll in the Program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. This is a provider opt-in program, so prices are dependent on what providers decide to offer, and enrollment is through each provider.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service, and up to $75 a month if the household is on Tribal lands. 

 It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households. 

Under the law, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband provider; Lifeline subscribers, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits; households with kids receiving free and reduced-price lunch or school breakfast; Pell grant recipients; and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year. 

For more information from the state on how California providers will be implementing the program visit: https://covid19.ca.gov/emergency-broadband

 For more information on the federal program from the FCC visit: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-372014A1.pdf.