[Libs-Or] Emergency Broadband Benefit will become the Affordable Connectivity Program on 12-31-21

[WEIBLE Arlene * SLO]

The temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program<https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit> will become the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)<https://www.fcc.gov/acp>, a new longer-term program, on December 31, 2021. This program transition was created by Congress as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The ACP benefit will provide a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as of 12/31/21 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until 3/1/22.

What's Changing?

     *   The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50 per month to $30 per month for households not located on qualifying Tribal lands. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
     *   Households have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as: receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines<https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines>.
     *   Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's COVID-19 program will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. These households will receive additional details about the steps they need to take from the program administrator (USAC) or their broadband provider, in January 2022, and will be given at least 30 days to respond. They will continue to receive their full EBB benefit until March 1, 2022.
Eligible households can continue to enroll in the EBB before 6:00 p.m. EST December 30. At that time the online program application will close and the paper application will be removed from the website.

For more information about eligibility and Internet Services Providers<https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers> is available on the program website<https://www.fcc.gov/acp>.


Arlene Weible, MLS (she/her/hers)
Electronic Services Consultant
Oregon Federal Regional Depository Coordinator
State Library of Oregon
arlene.weible at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:arlene.weible at state.or.us> | 503-378-5020 | http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries
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