Representative Angie Craig Highlights Launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig highlighted the launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program and urged eligible constituents to enroll to receive a discount on their monthly internet bill. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a groundbreaking new program that will help economically vulnerable Americans afford their monthly internet bill.

The $3.2 billion program was created as part of the final omnibus appropriations bill in December. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that open enrollment in the program would begin today, May 12th, 2021. The EBB Program will provide struggling families a discount of $50, or $75 on tribal lands, off the monthly cost of home internet service. It may also provide an additional subsidy for a computer. Internet providers who participate in the program can apply to the FCC for reimbursement.

"I encourage every Minnesotan who is struggling right now to see if they qualify for this new program – and to sign up for a discount on their monthly internet bills if eligible," said Representative Craig. "Because – especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic – access to high-speed, reliable internet is more important than ever. Broadband internet will allow our children to learn and grow, it will help our small businesses to compete on the global stage and it will ensure that every Minnesotan can stay in touch with their family members even when we can't be together in person."

Households interested in learning whether they qualify are encouraged to visit the FCC's new enrollment website – https://getemergencybroadband.org/ – and then sign up for the program through their internet service provider.