Lifeline and Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Webinar for Service Providers
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP) to help low-income consumers afford broadband service and connected internet devices. The program will build on the framework and systems created for Lifeline, the FCC’s existing program, to help provide affordable communications service to low-income consumers. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers the Lifeline program and will administer the EBBP. USAC will host an introductory webinar to provide an overview of Lifeline and the EBBP. The webinar will include a review of USAC Lifeline systems used to check eligibility, enroll consumers, and claim reimbursement, as USAC prepares to make those systems available for the new program. The webinar is designed for service providers, including providers that have not been designated as eligible telecommunications carriers, interested in participating in the EBBP. Emergency Broadband Benefit Program The EBBP will provide a monthly discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for eligible consumers. Consumers can use the device discount to purchase laptops, desktops, or tablets from participating providers if they also contribute $10-$50 toward the price of the device. Consumers who live on qualifying Tribal lands can receive enhanced support of up to $75 per month for broadband services. FCC's Lifeline Program Lifeline is a federal program that offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers. Eligible consumers living on Tribal lands can receive a discount up to $34.25 per month. Eligible households can enroll and receive both an EBBP benefit and a Lifeline benefit monthly. For More Information For more information on the EBBP, visit the USAC website and sign up for emails and training invitations. |