[OPLIN 4cast] OPLIN 4Cast #740: There's help in the struggle to pay for Internet during the pandemic

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OPLIN 4Cast #740: There's help in the struggle to pay for Internet during
the pandemic
March 3rd, 2021

[image: Man showing empty pants pockets] In late 2020, Congress established
an Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund of $3.2 billion to help Americans
afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic, directing the FCC to
establish an Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) for low-income
households. Last week, the FCC released the initial rules. Libraries can
learn more and sign up to be an outreach partner at
https://fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.

   -
   - Struggling to Afford Internet? The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
   May Help
   <https://www.consumerreports.org/broadband/emergency-broadband-benefit-program-internet-service-and-equipment-discounts/>
   [*Consumer Reports*] "Eligible families will get up to $50 per month to
   help defray the cost of decent broadband and $100 toward a computer."
   - FCC authorizes $50 discounts for low-income households’ internet bills
   <https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/26/22302807/fcc-internet-subsidies-authorized-low-income-broadband>
   [T*he Verge*] "It will help those sitting in cars in parking lots just
   to catch a Wi-Fi signal to go online for work. It will help those lingering
   outside the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for remote
   learning."
   - Introducing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
   <https://www.benton.org/blog/introducing-emergency-broadband-benefit-program>
   [*Benton.org*] "Keep in mind that Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is
   temporary, with a limited amount of funding. It is meant to last no longer
   than 6 months after the COVID emergency. Households that get Emergency
   Broadband Benefit Program services will get notified before the program
   ends and will be able to cancel service (without a fee) before receiving
   any increases in their bill."
   - ALA welcomes new Emergency Broadband Benefit program
   <https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2021/03/ala-welcomes-new-emergency-broadband-benefit-program>
   [*ALAnews*] "ALA will coordinate directly with FCC leadership to engage
   and support libraries in outreach and education activities in the 60-day
   lead-up to the program start. In the meantime, libraries may sign up to
   receive important updates and information about the Emergency Broadband
   Benefit program at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit."

*From the Ohio Web Library <http://ohioweblibrary.org>:*

   - “Broadband Boosters
   <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sch&AN=148605683&site=ehost-live>
   .” *MIT Technology Review*, vol. 124, no. 2, Mar. 2021, p. 64.
   - Starks, Geoffrey. “The Time for Digital Equity Is Now: FCC’s Geoffrey
   Starks Says COVID-19 Has Laid Broadband Disparities Bare
   <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=buh&AN=148532318&site=ehost-live>
   .” *Multichannel News*, vol. 42, no. 3, Feb. 2021, p. 32.
   - Romm, Tony. “Lifeline Program’s Disconnect Worsens in Time of Crisis
   <http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bwh&AN=wapo.52d2b3d2-6bd8-11eb-ba56-d7e2c8defa31&site=ehost-live>
   .” *Washington Post, The*, 2021 Oct. 2AD.

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