Good afternoon,

Today is the launch of the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program!

Please note, this is DIFFERENT from the ARPA Emergency Connectivity Funds (ECF) that I emailed out about earlier. This is a separate program for consumers, but I wanted to send some information out about it in case you have patrons coming to your libraries to apply.

USAC has also put together some helpful promotional materials (toolkit guide, flyers, brochures, social media image files, etc.) for you to use as well. Feel free to use these resources to help eligible patrons or to put up in your library so folks are aware.

From USAC’s Website:

What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:

· Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals

· Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands

· A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.

The FCC has announced that consumers can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12, 2021. 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.

All the best,

Liz

Liz Thigpen Schreck | Director

Ocoee River Regional Library

State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries

Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

718 George St., NW, Athens, TN 37303

P. (423) 745-5194 – office; (423) 649-1583 - direct

Regional Toll Free - (855) 692-8186

Fax (423) 649-1501

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