May 12, 2021, 08:50 AM

Beginning today (May 12, 2021), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will offer an Emergency Broadband Benefit to help households struggling with affordable internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eligible households can get up to $50 per month to put toward broadband service, and can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or a tablet from a participating provider. 

To be considered eligible, a household member only needs to meet one of the following criteria as put forth by the FCC:

• 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

Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements through the Federal Communications Commission's Emergency Broadband Benefit landing page. 

Eligible households can enroll through an approved broadband service provider, or by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org.

Click here to see a list of all broadband service providers who are offering the Emergency Broadband Benefit in Virginia. 

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Montgomery County, Virginia - home of Virginia Tech and the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg - is a progressive, technology-driven community with an abundance of outdoor amenities. The Montgomery County Economic Development Department actively supports the startup, retention and expansion of companies in Montgomery County as well as the recruitment of new businesses to the community.  To learn more, visit www.YesMontgomeryVA.org.