FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2021
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán highlighted the launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and urged eligible constituents to enroll to receive a discount on their monthly internet bill.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide low-income families a discount of $50 off the monthly cost of home internet service. It may also provide an additional subsidy for a home computer. Internet providers who participate in the program can apply to the FCC for reimbursement. The program is now open for enrollment.
“The pandemic has made access to reliable, high-speed internet more important than ever for everything from virtual classroom learning to telehealth doctor visits,” Congresswoman Barragán said. “That’s why I supported the Emergency Broadband Benefit last year. In this day and age, internet service is a necessity, not a luxury. We need to ensure that every family can afford to telework, go to virtual school, run their businesses, and stay connected.
“I encourage anyone who may be struggling in Los Angeles County to see if they qualify for this new program, and then sign up by contacting their internet provider. I will continue to work hard in Congress to expand internet access and improve affordability so that every household has reliable, high-speed service.”
The $3.2 billion program was created as part of the final omnibus appropriations bill in December, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that open enrollment in the program began today.
Households interested in learning whether they qualify are encouraged to visit the FCC’s new enrollment website – https://getemergencybroadband.org/ – and then sign up for the program through their internet service provider.
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security.