Emergency Broadband Benefit: Keeping Americans Connected When It Mattered Most

Millions of Americans rely on the internet for jobs, healthcare, education, and family connections. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced families indoors and schools online, affordable broadband service became more important than ever. For low-income households, rising bills made this connection hard to maintain. The federal government stepped in with the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program—a lifeline during crisis.

Launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the emergency broadband benefit program offered internet discounts to families who needed it most. It delivered hope to those facing tough choices between food, rent, and reliable broadband access. While the EBB has ended, its story reveals what’s possible when people and policymakers come together.

How the Emergency Broadband Benefit Worked

The Emergency Broadband Benefit was built for speed. Congress called for immediate support with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, and the FCC went into action. This COVID-19 program provided a clear, simple way for eligible households to get affordable internet service, essential devices, and peace of mind.

The EBB gave qualified families:

• Up to $50/month off their broadband bill and up to $75 for those on Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a device purchase (like a laptop or tablet) with a small co-pay
• Access to participating broadband provider packages with no long-term contracts

The program started in May 2021 and ran until the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) took its place. Key details, FAQs, and announcements were available at fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-program and broadbandbenefit.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process

Who qualified for this emergency broadband support? The rules prioritized those most at risk of losing internet access.

A household is qualified if it:

• Had an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or participated in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or similar assistance programs
• Received benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program in the current award year
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
• Suffered a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020
• Lived on qualifying Tribal lands and met parallel requirements

The application process was direct. Eligible households could apply online through getemergencybroadband.org, contact their participating broadband provider, or send a mail-in application. Proof of eligibility—like documentation for SNAP, a Pell Grant, or income loss—was required.

National Verifier, managed by USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company), reviewed applications for accuracy. The Emergency Broadband Support Center and provider customer service teams handled support needs.

Types of Support Provided

The EBB benefit wasn’t just about getting online. It made real differences in daily life by making vital services easier to afford.

Here’s what EBB covered:

• A reliable monthly discount (up to $50; $75 on Tribal lands) off any service plan with a participating provider. There were no restrictions on plan choice—just real savings.
• The option for a one-time device discount. If a household needed a computer or tablet for work, school, or healthcare, the program helped cover the purchase price.

Households enrolled with trusted service providers didn’t have to change their plan to qualify. The goal: quick access, fewer hoops, and results when people needed them.

Find more general information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit/

Transition from Emergency Broadband Benefit to Affordable Connectivity Program

As the public health crisis changed, Congress and the FCC looked for a lasting solution. The Emergency Broadband Benefit ended and gave way to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The intent remained the same: keep low-income households connected, but with updated eligibility rules and program changes.

• The monthly benefit changed: $30/month for non-Tribal lands, $75/month for Tribal lands.
• Higher income thresholds: Now 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Greater program stability

The transition allowed households under enrollment to continue benefits with minor adjustments and new documentation as needed. The EBB stopped accepting new applications in December 2021; the ACP took over shortly after with new funding.

The End of the Affordable Connectivity Program and What Comes Next

The ACP provided crucial help when Americans needed it most. But in June 2024, the last funds ran out. The FCC and USAC had to stop accepting new applications, and the discounts ended for enrolled households.

This left many wondering: what happens now? While the national program may be gone, some help is still available. MTA reminds residents to review their options—including Lifeline, local projects, or special ISP deals.

Immediate Impact on Households and Internet Access

For families who depended on the EBB or ACP to stay online, the end of these programs is stressful. Many ask what happens to their broadband service, and whether they’ll lose connection to work or school.

Households who qualified through the EBB or ACP can look for ongoing support. Review program FAQs and details on our page: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and MTA Alaska. ISP customer service teams and the FCC's resource pages answer common questions about maintaining service, finding new plans, and transitioning from federal benefits.

Alternative Options for Affordable Internet

Even as the federal benefits end, several avenues remain for affordable internet:

• Lifeline: A long-standing program from the FCC, Lifeline offers monthly discounts for eligible households needing phone or internet. Check out the Lifeline program info.
• Local ISP Discounts: Companies like MTA continue to offer deals and flexible plans to fit most budgets. MTA customers can learn more about available options by visiting the Residential Discount Programs page.
• School and Community Projects: Some schools, libraries, and nonprofit groups help low-income residents connect with discounted internet access or devices.

MTA Alaska works to keep internet options open and affordable even without national emergency subsidies.

MTA Alaska’s Commitment After the ACP

The end of the ACP and EBB doesn’t mean the end of support for Alaska’s low-income or rural customers. MTA Alaska stands strong on its promise to deliver affordable, high-speed internet and phone services, especially in Southcentral Alaska.

MTA continues to offer flexible plans that make broadband service possible for most families and small businesses, no matter the budget. Home internet starts at just $69.99/month and home phone at $19.99/month. Plus, you don’t need to worry about pushy upsells or hidden contracts.

Ready for a dedicated line to your home or business? MTA Alaska’s DSL internet services offer the reliability, speed, and community focus that big telecoms just can’t match.

Contact MTA

Internet access is no longer a luxury. Programs like the Emergency Broadband Benefit and the Affordable Connectivity Program helped keep Americans working, learning, and staying in touch during tough times. While these federal initiatives have ended, households in Southcentral Alaska still have support close to home.

MTA Alaska remains committed to making broadband service reliable and affordable. Reach out today to explore solutions tailored to your needs—from flexible discounts to dedicated DSL in your neighborhood. Stay connected, no matter what comes next.