Broadband Subsidy Program Sign-Ups Lag Amid Lack of Outreach Funds

Billions of dollars aimed at helping low-income households afford internet access are going unclaimed as the Federal Communications Commission faces hurdles to enrolling participants in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. FCC officials and their nonprofit partners have to marshal resources for outreach to help individuals understand how the program works and overcome mistrust of government. Nonprofits and local organizations are best suited to enroll low-income individuals because they are trusted in those communities, agency officials and partners said. However, many FCC partners are already operating with small budgets and face pandemic-related financial challenges. The FCC and its partners would be getting the word out faster if Congress had allocated outreach money for agency partners, FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said. The pending infrastructure package is another chance for lawmakers to create that funding, she added. “Time and time again, we heard that the success of the program could be improved if there was funding to support the efforts of community-based organizations that spend time providing in-person assistance for families not familiar with federal assistance programs, interacting with internet service providers, or educating low-income households about the technology necessary to sign up for the EBB Program,” Chairwoman Rosenworcel said