OTAN News

Emergency Broadband Benefit is Coming Soon!

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) recently announced the creation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms. The FCC has created a website with more information about the program: Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on 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 if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. There are a number of eligible populations who can participate in the program; visit the website for details.

We strongly encourage adult educators in California and beyond to sign up for Outreach Partner notices. Notices will include information from the FCC about the program and how to spread the word in your communities. The program is time-sensitive; although there is no deadline to participate, once the funding is gone, the program will end, so getting the word out quickly will be crucial. The Outreach Partner sign-up form is available on the website near the bottom of the page.

Please visit the Emergency Broadband Benefit website for more information on how to help our students stay connected! You can also register for this webinar from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance on Monday, March 29 to learn more about the program: NDIA Webinar Registration