Emergency Broadband Benefit FAQ

What is the Emergency Broadband benefit or EBB program?

The EBB is a limited-time program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides discounts of up to $50 on monthly broadband Internet access service (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands) and up to $100 on certain connected devices (a co-pay of between $10 and $50 is required). EBB services and devices are subject to consumer eligibility, provider participation, product availability, and FCC/USAC approval.

Who is eligible for EBB discounts on broadband service?

The EBB shares the same qualifying eligibility criteria as the Federal Lifeline program – participation in CalFresh / SNAP, Medi-Cal / Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Fund, and income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.

 

For a limited-time determined by the FCC, unemployment may qualify you for Lifeline and the EBB. Additional eligibility criteria are unique to EBB and do not qualify for Lifeline. These include Pell Grants (current award year recipients), Free and Reduced Price School Lunch and Breakfast (including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision), as well as reduced wages in certain instances. EBB eligibility will be determined for the FCC by USAC’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database, or an alternative verification process approved by the FCC.

What rules apply to me when I participate in the program?

Only eligible consumers may receive EBB discounts. The EBB monthly service and device discounts are non-transferrable. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount.

Can I choose my EBB provider?

EBB program benefits may be obtained from any participating provider of your choosing and your monthly service benefit may be transferred to another provider at any time. Lifeline plans and benefits may be maintained without enrolling in the EBB Program.

When will the EBB program end?

The EBB program will expire when funds are exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declares the end of the COVID-19 health emergency. When the FCC announces the end of the program or we end our promotional FREE EBB service offer, you will be provided a 30-day notice. You may choose another broadband plan by paying the applicable undiscounted rate for any of our plans available at that time plus applicable fees and taxes.

What else do I need to know?

Our standard terms and conditions apply, available at: https://www.readywireless.com/ebb-terms-and-conditions, in addition to any others communicated to you that are specific to your service plan. Additional information about our network management practices, broadband performance, and commercial terms is available at https://www.readywireless.com/ebb-internet-transparency. For more information about the EBB Program, you can email rwebbsupport@readywireless.com.

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