Recognizing the challenges many face in accessing reliable and affordable internet, especially in the wake of the pandemic, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program was introduced. This program provides eligible households with a discount on internet and connected devices. It also provides educational materials and resources to help households navigate the internet.
This guide explores the nuances of this program, exploring the best deals, offers, and eligibility criteria, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make the most of this initiative offering a tablet with free internet.
Overview Of Tablet With Free Internet Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Free Tablet (EBB) is an outstanding program tailored to assist eligible households in reducing their monthly broadband expenses. Not only can you save up to $50/month on your internet bill, but if you meet the stipulated requirements, you might also be eligible to receive a tablet either for free or at a significantly discounted rate. This initiative ensures that you can enjoy the myriad benefits of the internet without breaking the bank.
The EBB program was a timely response to the digital divide that became evident during the pandemic, especially between the financially challenged and the more affluent individuals in the U.S. As the pandemic led to rising unemployment, business closures, and a shift to virtual activities, internet access became indispensable for households.
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving, certain eligibility criteria were set. Here are the key requirements to determine if you or someone you know might qualify for this beneficial program:
Pell Grant Recipients
If you’re a recipient of the Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, you’re in luck! You meet one of the criteria for the EBB free tablet program
Eligible Households
To qualify for the EBB program, your household income should be equal to or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additionally, if someone in your household benefits from federal or state assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or the Lifeline program, you may be eligible. Households with children benefiting from the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program under the USDA Community Eligibility Provision are also eligible.
Moreover, if your household experienced a significant income loss due to the pandemic, with a total income below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers, you might qualify. Lastly, if your household already qualifies for an existing COVID-19 or low-income program offered by a participating EBB provider, you could also be eligible.
Tribal Lands Residents
Residents of certified tribal regions can avail discounts of up to $75 on their monthly internet broadband bills through the EBB program.
Low-Income Individuals
The EBB program was specifically designed to offer financial relief to eligible low-income individuals and households. It provided discounts on monthly internet bills and also facilitated a one-time discount of $100 on device purchases, with a minor contribution from the applicant.
Program Details
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) was established to provide support for broadband services and certain devices, ensuring that low-income households remain connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative was a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which allocated a fund of $3.2 billion in the United States Treasury. The primary aim was to make internet service more affordable during the pandemic.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was directed to utilize this fund to set up the EBB Program. Under this program, eligible low-income households could avail discounts on broadband service and certain connected devices. In return, the participating providers would receive a reimbursement for these discounts. The program was designed to run until the fund was fully utilized or until six months after the end of the public health emergency.
The rules and policies governing the EBB Program were adopted by the Commission on February 25, 2021. The program was officially launched on May 12, 2021, allowing consumers to apply through the National Verifier, and service providers began enrolling consumers.
However, on November 15, 2021, Congress introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program, a more long-term solution with a budget of $14 billion. This program was designed to replace the EBB Program. More details about this new program can be found on the FCC’s official website.
Current Award Amounts
The EBB Program provided eligible households with a discount off the cost of broadband service and certain connected devices. While specific award amounts varied, the program aimed to make internet access more affordable for those in need.
Device Discounts Available
Eligible households could receive discounts on certain connected devices under the EBB Program. This ensured that not only did households have affordable internet access, but they also had the necessary devices to utilize this access.
Monthly Service Discounts Available
The EBB Program offered monthly service discounts to eligible households, reducing the financial burden of maintaining an internet connection during challenging times.
Affordability Of Service Plans Offered
The primary goal of the EBB Program was to make internet service plans more affordable for low-income households. By providing discounts on monthly service fees and devices, the program ensured that more households could access and afford reliable internet services.
Application Process
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program was a significant initiative by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to support low-income households in affording broadband services and internet-connected devices. Here’s a detailed look into the application process for the program:
1. Program Overview
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The EBB Program was established as a part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, where Congress allocated $3.2 billion to the FCC. This fund was aimed at assisting low-income households in covering the costs of broadband services and internet devices.
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Eligible consumers could avail a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband services. For those residing on qualifying Tribal lands, the support was enhanced to up to $75 per month.
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Additionally, the program offered a one-time device discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet through a participating provider. However, this discount required a consumer co-payment ranging between $10 and $50.
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It’s essential to note that the EBB Program was temporary and transitioned to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) starting December 31, 2021.
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2. USAC’s Role
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The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) was entrusted by the FCC to implement the EBB Program. The framework of the existing Lifeline program, which aims to provide affordable voice and broadband service to low-income consumers, was used for this purpose.
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The EBB Program utilized various Lifeline systems, such as the Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier, the National Lifeline Accountability Database, and the Lifeline Claims System. These systems were employed for verifying subscriber eligibility, managing enrollments, and reimbursing service providers.
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3. How To Apply
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Consumers interested in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which replaced the EBB Program, can apply at AffordableConnectivity.gov.
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4. Program Updates
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On November 22, 2021, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the FCC issued an advisory alerting about improper and potentially abusive EBB program enrollments associated with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
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Further, the FCC Office Of Managing Director and Wireline Competition Bureau announced specific mitigation measures for EBB Program enrollments based on the Community Eligibility Provision in public notices issued on November 22, 2021.
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Benefits Of The Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program was a significant initiative to ensure that households affected by the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic could stay connected. Here are some of the notable benefits of the program:
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Broadband Internet Discounts:
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The EBB program provided eligible households with discounts of up to $50 per month for broadband internet services. For those residing on qualifying tribal lands, the discount was even more substantial, amounting to up to $75 per month.
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Device Discounts:
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Beyond just service discounts, the EBB program also offered a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet. This ensured that households not only had access to the internet but also the necessary devices to make use of it.
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Limitations And Scope:
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It’s essential to note that the EBB was limited to one monthly broadband service discount and one device purchase discount per household. This program was a temporary measure to address internet access challenges during the pandemic and was later replaced by the more permanent Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers similar benefits.
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Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
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The ACP, which succeeded the EBB program, provides a monthly discount of $30 toward a household’s internet bill. However, households on Tribal land or in high-cost areas might be eligible for enhanced support of up to $75 per month. The ACP has slightly different eligibility criteria, including qualification for the Lifeline Program, approval for the National School Lunch Program, receipt of a Pell Grant in the current year, and more.
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Wider Impact:
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The EBB program saw significant enrollment, with over 1.5 million households registering within the first 12 days. As of June 13, 2021, approximately 2,553,283 households were enrolled, with 66,505 of these being tribal households. The program had participation from over 900 broadband providers, ensuring a wide reach and impact.
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Collaborations And Partnerships:
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Various collaborations were formed to promote the EBB program. For instance, Walmart partnered with AT&T to provide select home internet and wireless plans for eligible customers. Such partnerships ensured that the benefits of the program reached a broader audience.
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Promotion And Awareness:
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Organizations like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) launched nationwide campaigns to encourage older adults to take advantage of the EBB. The primary reasons highlighted included staying connected with family, accessing online healthcare, and teleworking.
Get A Tablet With Free Internet
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Free Tablet program has emerged as a pivotal initiative, effectively bridging the digital divide and granting qualified households enhanced access to connectivity. With a plethora of participating carriers offering a diverse range of options for tablet with free internet, this program unlocks a world of opportunities, providing all Americans with affordable and reliable internet access.
Find out how to get a cell phone with free tablets by checking out our detailed guide. Visit Help Choices and browse through the available resources to learn more.