Some ISPs Exploited Covid Broadband Relief Program to Make an Extra Buck

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In May, the government began offering Americans struggling during the pandemic a $50 discount off of their broadband bill. But some US broadband providers are already exploiting the program to drive consumers to even more expensive broadband plans. Verizon, for example, was forcing customers to sign up for more expensive plans if they wanted the benefit. Charter, which sells broadband under the Spectrum brand, has been forcing eligible customers to opt in to full-price plans at sign up. If they refuse, they’re deemed ineligible for the emergency broadband discount. “If participating Emergency Broadband Benefit providers are making it harder for consumers to receive the support they need to get online, they need to knock it off,” said Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “I urge consumers who have faced this issue to come to us and share their experience at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov. It's one of the swiftest ways we can get to the bottom of what is going on and address it.”


Some ISPs Exploited Covid Broadband Relief Program to Make an Extra Buck