Virtual Tribal Listening Session On Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Federal Communications Commission's Office of Native Affairs and Policy, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, and Wireline Competition Bureau hosted this virtual listening session for Tribal leaders, staff, and outreach partners on its $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program.
The EBB is a temporary benefit designed to help eligible households get or stay connected during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands may receive up to $75 per month toward the cost of broadband service and associated equipment rental. All other eligible households may receive up to $50 per month. In addition, all eligible households can receive a discount of up to $100 toward the cost of one laptop or desktop computer or tablet purchased from a participating provider, subject to a modest copayment. Enrollment in the program opened on May 12, 2021. The benefit will end when the funds are exhausted, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, whichever is sooner.
The virtual listening session started with an overview of the EBB Program, followed by an opportunity for Tribal participants to ask questions and provide feedback based on their experiences with the EBB Program to date. Commission staff used the remaining time to provide an overview of the Commission’s EBB outreach toolkit, as well as guidance on how Tribal outreach partners can make the most effective use of the toolkit materials. Pre-registered participants were able to ask questions live via WebEx.
For questions about the listening session, please send email to Derik Goatson at derik.goatson@fcc.gov.