Emergency Broadband Benefit Program FAQ

What is the Emergency Broadband benefit or EBB program?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a limited-time program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides discounts of up to $50 on monthly broadband Internet access service (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands) and up to $100 on certain connected devices (a co-pay of between $10 and $50 is required). EBB services and devices are subject to consumer eligibility, provider participation, product availability, and FCC/Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) approval.

Who is eligible for EBB discounts on broadband service?
The EBB shares the same qualifying eligibility criteria as Lifeline – participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Fund, and income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. For a limited-time determined by the FCC, unemployment may qualify you for Lifeline and the EBB. Additional eligibility criteria are unique to EBB and do not qualify for Lifeline. These include Pell Grants (current award year recipients), Free and Reduced Price School Lunch and Breakfast (including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision), as well as reduced wages in certain instances. EBB eligibility will be determined for the FCC by USAC’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database.

What rules apply to me when I participate in the program?
Only eligible consumers may receive EBB discounts. The EBB monthly service and device discounts are non-transferrable. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount.

If I already receive Lifeline benefits will I automatically receive the Emergency Broadband Benefit?
No. You must opt-in and choose an eligible service plan.

Can I choose my EBB provider?
EBB program benefits may be obtained from any participating provider of your choosing and your monthly service benefit may be transferred to another provider at any time.

How are Lifeline and the EBB different?
Lifeline is the FCC’s permanent program to support affordable access to essential communications services such as broadband Internet access. The EBB is a temporary program through which a participating provider can apply discounts to the same service plan on which you receive Lifeline service or a different service plan.

When will the EBB program end?
The EBB program will expire when funds are exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declares the end of the COVID-19 health emergency. When the FCC announces the end the program or we end our promotional FREE EBB service offer, we will notify you and you will revert to receiving only the standard FREE Lifeline plan where available and if you are eligible. You may keep your service by paying the applicable undiscounted rate plus any applicable fees and taxes.

What else do I need to know?
Our standard terms and conditions apply, in addition to any others communicated to you that are specific to your service plan. Available upload/download speeds are available here. For more information about the EBB Program you can call us at 611 or 1-888-360-2030.