The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a May 12 launch date for the new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which offers two types of discounts to help low-income households connect to the internet.

As of May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the Program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved internet service provider. The EBB also enables households to recieve a one-time discount on a connected device, but less than 10% of the participating internet service providers are currently offering hadrware.

Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting https://getemergencybroadband.org. For more information on the participating providers and other FCC resources, click here; for more information about the benefit program and how affordable housing communities can utilize it for residents, click here. LeadingAge members can also reach out to jbilowich@leadingage.org for ideas related to applying the EBB in a whole-building approach.