STRATA Networks announced their participation in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The temporary EBB program will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a temporary program that provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to $100 per household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.
A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least 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
- Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the United States Department of Agriculture (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.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
“Having broadband internet access allows people to participate in vital services such as online healthcare, working from home and remote learning options,” stated Bruce Todd, CEO/General Manager at STRATA Networks. “Being connected is a critical element for continued growth and economic development in our community, and we hope that this benefit enables customers who have been unable to utilize our services to do so.”
Emergency Broadband Benefit enrollment began on May 12, 2021. Eligible households can enroll online through GetEmergencyBroadband.org. Those wanting more information can visit stratanetworks.com/EBBprogram or call the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Support Center at 833-511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week. This program is for a limited time only and will last until the funds are exhausted.
For questions on this press release, contact Tyler Rasmussen at 622-5007, or email trasmussen@stratanetworks.com.
