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FCC's Aid To Struggling Broadband Customers Part Of Broader Digital Push

By Brock E.W. Turner

Posted May 17, 2021

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Installing broadband internet is the first of many steps to closing the digital divide, experts say.

A new federal government program hopes to connect resources to Americans struggling to afford internet service and technology. 

The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide one-time discounts for the purchase of new devices and up to $50 per month for Hoosiers in eligible households served by participating providers. 

According to experts, there are multiple keys to overcoming the digital divide.  While providing reliable broadband service is crucial, reducing other economic barriers is also important. 

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;

  • Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;

  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

  • Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or

  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

The topic was prevalent throughout last week’s Rural Conference at Indiana University. 

Tipmont REMC President and CEO Ron Holcomb led one of the conference discussions, and believes innovative solutions are needed to overcome connection challenges. 

“Once the economics start to breakdown, then we have to come to the conclusion that there has to be some kind of a commitment to leveling the playing field,” Holcomb told attendees last week. 

Tipmont is one of several Indiana REMCs in the process of adding internet service to their service lines. 

According to Broadband Now—an organization that analyzes internet coverage—about 1 in 10 Hoosiers don’t have access to broadband.

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