Federal program offers temporary internet service discount

The Federal Communications Commission recently launched the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to help households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible households can receive a temporary broadband service discount of up to $50 per month or up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands.

In addition, qualifying households can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.

According to the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the program, "The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner."

More information is available on the internet access resources page in the UO Service Portal or at getemergencybroadband.org.