Some low-income households in Roanoke Connect’s service territory may now be able to access federal funds for cost savings on high-speed internet services.
Beginning May 12, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, offers a discount of up to $50 a month. Roanoke Connect will apply the discount to the billing statement for one month of internet service for current member-owner subscribers only.
The $3.2 billion program, created by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, is being administered by the Federal Communications Commission.
A household is eligible if it meets one of the criteria below:
- Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelinesor participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
- Is 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.
- Has received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
Eligible households can enroll through Roanoke Connect or by visiting https://getemergencybroadband.org. For more information about the program, visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit