The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) is a federal program that provides eligible households with discounted internet service and/or devices to help them stay connected during the pandemic. The program is operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is available through participating providers, including Straight Talk. This article will provide an overview of the program, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, what services are eligible, maximum benefits, how to use the benefit, how to renew the benefit, how to cancel the benefit, how to manage your account, and how to get help.
What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) is a federal program that provides eligible households with discounted internet service and/or devices to help them stay connected during the pandemic. The program is operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is available through participating providers, including Straight Talk. The EBB is intended to help eligible households stay connected to the internet and maintain access to vital online services such as remote work, education, and telehealth during the pandemic.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for the EBB, households must meet certain criteria. Eligible households must have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain government assistance programs. Eligible households must also certify that they have not received a similar subsidy from the EBB or any other government program in the past.
How to Apply
Households can apply for the EBB through participating providers. To apply, households must provide proof of their eligibility, such as proof of income, proof of participation in certain government assistance programs, or proof of their address. Households can also apply online through the FCC website.
How to Receive Benefits
Once a household is approved for the EBB, they can receive their benefits through their chosen participating provider. The participating provider will provide the approved household with discounted internet service or a device to help them stay connected.
What Services are Eligible?
The EBB covers a variety of services, including broadband internet service, devices, and other internet-related services. Eligible services include home broadband, mobile broadband, and fixed wireless internet.
Maximum Benefits
The EBB provides eligible households with up to $50 per month for internet service and/or up to $75 per household for a device. The maximum benefit amount may be adjusted depending on the participating provider.
How to Use the Benefit
Once a household is approved for the EBB, they can use the benefit to receive discounted internet service or a device. Households can use the benefit to purchase internet service or devices from their chosen participating provider. The participating provider will provide the approved household with discounted internet service or a device to help them stay connected.
How to Renew the Benefit
Households can renew their EBB benefits if they are still eligible for the program. Households can renew their benefits through their participating provider.
How to Cancel the Benefit
Households can cancel their EBB benefits if they no longer need the service. Households can cancel their benefits through their participating provider.
How to Manage Your Account
Households can manage their EBB accounts through their participating provider. Households can view their account information, update their information, and make changes to their account.
How to Get Help
Households can get help with the EBB by contacting their participating provider or the FCC. The FCC has a helpline available to answer questions about the program and provide assistance to eligible households.
Straight Talk and the Emergency Broadband Benefit
Straight Talk is a participating provider in the EBB program. Eligible households can apply for the EBB through Straight Talk and receive discounted internet service and/or devices. Straight Talk offers a variety of internet plans at discounted rates for eligible households.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) is a federal program that provides eligible households with discounted internet service and/or devices to help them stay connected during the pandemic. Participating providers, including Straight Talk, offer discounted internet plans and devices to eligible households. This article provided an overview of the EBB program, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, what services are eligible, maximum benefits, how to use the benefit, how to renew the benefit, how to cancel the benefit, how to manage your account, and how to get help.