Qualified residents urged to sign up for $50 discount on monthly Internet bills

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Federal Communications Commission has launched its Emergency Broadband Benefit Program designed to help economically vulnerable Americans afford their monthly internet bills and stay connected during the pandemic.

The temporary discount program, funded with $3.2 billion of the omnibus appropriations bill approved in December by Congress, opens for enrollment Wednesday May 12.

Eligible households can receive up to a $50 a month discount on broadband services and associated equipment rentals, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

“From telehealth appointments to virtual learning to working from home, the pandemic has helped highlight just how vital reliable, affordable, high-speed internet is for families today. I’m proud to have supported the creation of this program to help low-income families cover some of the costs associated with broadband services during the pandemic,” said U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, a Louisville Democrat. “Internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. I urge all eligible residents to head to GetEmergencyBroadband.org and sign up.”

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• 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 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Anyone wishing to apply is encouraged to visit the FCC’s new enrollment website—GetEmergencyBroadband.org—and sign up for the program through their internet service provider. Residents also can call 833-511-0311 to apply.

The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.

In addition, Gov. Andy Beshear is preparing to expand the state’s broadband infrastructure that currently does not extend to every community, resulting in unequal opportunities among Kentuckians.

After reaching a bipartisan agreement with lawmakers and signing House Bill 320 and House Bill 382, the Governor will have more than $300 million in the Broadband Deployment Fund to begin addressing unserved and underserved communities.

Combined with at least 50% required matching investments, this means a minimum of $600 million will go toward broadband expansion.

“At a minimum, $600 million will go toward broadband expansion. This investment is estimated to create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs,” said Beshear. “Coupled with our recent broadband speed test, access mapping and the KentuckyWired project, HB 320 has the potential to push Kentucky to the forefront of broadband expansion nationwide.”