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posted by Fnord666 on Saturday March 06 2021, @02:22PM   Printer-friendly

FCC approves $50 monthly internet subsidies for low-income households during pandemic:

The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday approved final rules for a new broadband subsidy program that could help struggling families pay for internet service during the pandemic.

The agency's $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides eligible low-income households with up to a $50 per month credit on their internet bills through their provider until the end of the pandemic. In tribal areas, eligible households may receive up to $75 per month. The program also provides eligible households up to $100 off of one computer or tablet.

The congressionally created program is aimed at closing the digital divide, which has become painfully apparent over the past year as millions of Americans have been forced to work and learn remotely. Some have also raised concerns that the digital divide could affect access to the vaccine as signups typically happen online.

[...] Last year, Congress passed a coronavirus relief package that contained provisions for the FCC's new program. And the FCC has established a fresh task force this year to improve the data it collects on broadband availability, which could ultimately help the agency better target its efforts to close the gap.

[...] "This is a program that will help those at risk of digital disconnection," Rosenworcel said in a statement. "It will help those sitting in cars in parking lots just to catch a Wi-Fi signal to go online for work. It will help those lingering outside the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for remote learning. It will help those who worry about choosing between paying a broadband bill and paying rent or buying groceries."


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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday March 06 2021, @04:30PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday March 06 2021, @04:30PM (#1120824)

    You would have thought that a country so rich and ostensibly Christian as the United States could take care of its venerable people

    You would have expected much worse than this from a country built upon 400 years of slavery.

    Even the bible condones slavery. Remember the New Testament injunction to be happy as slaves if you can’t get your freedom. The roots of Disney’s racist “Song of the South “ can be traced to this “Christian” sentiment.

    Throughout history the same story repeats itself - war, slavery, genocide, cannibalism, and religion perpetuating and pardoning it all.

    As for this credit provided to the provider, the provider is going to do a credit check anyway and know they are poor.