U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (D-PA-08) highlighted the recently launched Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program and urged eligible constituents to enroll to receive a discount on their monthly internet bill.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a groundbreaking new program that will help economically vulnerable Americans afford their monthly internet bill. The $3.2 billion program was created as part of the final omnibus appropriations bill enacted in December. 

The EBB Program will provide struggling families a discount of $50 off the monthly cost of home internet service. It may also provide an additional subsidy for a computer. Internet providers who participate in the program can apply to the FCC for reimbursement.

“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Rep. Cartwright. “So many things moved online over the past year since the pandemic hit, from school to doctor’s visits to work. This shift reinforces the need to ensure everyone has the ability to get connected, and that starts with making internet access affordable. I was proud to support the enactment of the Emergency Broadband Benefit last year, and I encourage eligible Northeastern Pennsylvanians to apply. I’ll continue working to expand internet access as we look toward investing in twenty-first century infrastructure through the American Jobs Plan.”

Households interested in learning whether they qualify are encouraged to visit the FCC’s new enrollment website – https://getemergencybroadband.org/ – and then sign up for the program through their internet service provider.