Congressional lawmakers are calling on internet service providers to participate in a new federal program that discounts internet service for low-income families.
The $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, approved in December, will offer a $50-a-month discount to eligible households. The Federal Communications Commission is working to get the program up and running by the end of April, and lawmakers said providers should do their part to let consumers across the country know about it.
Top leaders on the Energy and Commerce Committee sent letters to nine major internet service providers and several industry associations encouraging them to join and promote the program.
“For this historic $3.2 billion program to help the greatest number of people, it will require the cooperation and support of internet service providers like your company,” wrote committee leaders, including Chairman Frank Pallone and Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “Simply put, the more companies participate in the program, the more we can, together, ensure that all Americans have this crucial connectivity.”
The letters were sent to Altice, AT&T, CenturyLink, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Frontier, T-Mobile and Verizon.
The FCC has been in contact with at least 380 internet service providers about the program, said FCC Acting Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, as she spoke at a National Association of Counties panel on Wednesday.
To inform potential customers of the program, state and local governments, schools, and local organizations and faith leaders should a ..
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