Federal Communications Commission will give out $50 to $75 per month to low-income families and people laid off because of the pandemic
The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to establish a program that will provide a $50 monthly stipend for broadband internet access to individuals struggling during the pandemic.
The stipend, provided by the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, will increase to $75 per month for people living on tribal lands, and includes a one-time, $100 discount on a computer or tablet.
Congress created the program last December and included $3.2 billion for it in the fiscal 2021 omnibus spending package. Individuals who qualify for the program include those who lost their jobs or were furloughed because of the pandemic and low-income families, including recipients of Medicaid, food stamps and free or reduced school lunch. Pell Grant recipients also qualify. Continue reading.