FCC program gives credits toward broadband service
Charter Communications participates in benefit for low-income customers
FOND DU LAC - Low-income customers of Charter Communications, Inc. may be eligible for $50 monthly credits through the company’s participation in the Federal Communications Commission’s $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
On Wednesday, the FCC officially opened enrollment for the program to qualifying applicants. Charter customers across its 41-state operating area are eligible for a credit up to $50 per month (up to $75 for households on Tribal Lands) toward qualifying Spectrum Internet plans for the duration of the program.
Charter is offering a variety of broadband options under the program and all Spectrum Internet plans available have no modem fees, data caps or contracts and include free self-installation, according to the company.
The benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who Is eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of following criteria:
● Has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or Lifeline.
● Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 20192020 or 2020-2021 school year.
● Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
● Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
● Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing lowincome or COVID-19 program.
Consumers can verify their eligibility at fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit and apply online at getemergencybroadband.org.
Mail-in applications are available by calling 833-511-0311.
“Through our participation in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, we are further breaking down barriers to connectivity for American families, as part of our long-term commitment to advance access and improve broadband adoption,” said Catherine Bohigian, Charter Executive Vice President, Government Affairs.
The program also offers a discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).
The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.
More information is available through spectrum.com/getqualified or by calling 1-855-662-9946. Current Spectrum customers can visit spectrum.net/broadbandbenefit to learn more.
Contact Sharon Roznik at 920-9077936 or sroznik@gannett.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/reporterroz/