May 12, 2021

Cárdenas Hosts Virtual Community Roundtable to Highlight Today’s Launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY — Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) recently hosted a virtual roundtable with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and San Fernando Valley community leaders to highlight today’s launch of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. In December 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund and allocated $3.2 billion for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. This groundbreaking new program will help low-income communities pay for their monthly internet bill by providing struggling families a discount of $50 off the monthly cost of home internet service. It may also provide an additional subsidy for a computer or tablet. 

Click here to view the full roundtable. 

“Access to reliable, high-speed internet has never been more important,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “The current health crisis has made it nearly impossible to do anything work, learn, go to doctors’ appointments, stay connected with loved ones – unless you have internet at home. That’s why I fought in Congress to address connectivity issues, especially for communities of color, through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Internet service is a necessity, not a luxury, and we need to ensure that every family in the San Fernando Valley can stay connected.” 

“I encourage anyone who may be struggling right now to see if they qualify for this new program. I will continue to work hard in Congress to expand internet access and improve affordability so that every household, regardless of zip code, has reliable, high-speed service,” continued Congressman Cárdenas.

A study found that 84% of Californians had high-speed internet at home in 2019—up from 74% in 2017.  However, significant gaps in broadband access persist.  According to the study, 81% of Black/African American households and 79% of Latino households have broadband internet subscriptions. The study also found that 26% of K-12 students and nearly 40% of low-income students did not have reliable internet access in Fall 2020.

The EBB Program is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband provider; Lifeline subscribers, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits; households with kids receiving free and reduced-price lunch or school breakfast; Pell grant recipients; and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year.  

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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