Press Release

PA Consumers Eligible to Participate in Emergency Broadband Benefit Starting May 12

Published on 5/14/2021

Filed under: Consumer Education Telecommunications

Qualifying Households May Receive Discount on Internet Service or Equipment

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today encouraged Pennsylvania consumers to learn more about the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) that was started by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the important role that affordable broadband plays in education, employment, health and other purposes as people are now relying on broadband access to the internet more than ever and EBB plays an important part in that affordability effort,” said PUC Chairman Gladys Dutrieuille.

The EBB uses $3.2 billion in federal funding Congress approved in December 2020 and gives qualifying households money to buy internet service or equipment to use the internet if they are eligible.

 How Much is the Average EBB Support?

• The program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service.
• Eligible households can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 on equipment to use the internet. Equipment includes a computer or tablet if they contribute $10-$50 toward the price for the equipment.
• The benefit is limited to one service discount per month and one device discount per household; multigeneration households may each qualify separately although consumers should check the FCC’s webpage at org or the provider of this EBB program.
• This EBB is in addition to, not in place of, the current Lifeline Program that provides $5.25 a month to support affordable broadband service.

Who is Eligible for the EBB?

The program is income based. For example, it is open to Lifeline subscribers and households that currently participate in Lifeline, including consumers whose income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or who receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Housing or Veterans benefits. Consumers who receive free or reduced-price school lunch, or have received a federal Pell grant, are also eligible. 

Eligibility for EBB also includes individual households with annual income up to $100,000 or dual households making up to $198,000 a year if they are impacted by COVID through a substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020. 

How Can Consumers Apply for the EBB?

Households should contact their broadband providers and ask if they participate in EBB or visit the FCC’s webpage at GetEmergencyBroadband.org for more information. Consumers also can visit the FCC website to see a list of participating Pennsylvania providers approved by the FCC if their broadband provider is not participating or if they would like another provider for EBB.

Enrollment has started on May 12, 2021. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the U.S Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.   

The PUC is participating in a public presentation on the EBB program by the FCC and hosted by Penn State Extension on May 19, 2021, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. To register, you may click on this link.

About the PUC

The PUC balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov