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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, @05:46PM (1 child)

    by Anonymous Coward on Saturday March 06 2021, @05:46PM (#1120843)

    So stop using so much bandwidth. I refuse to use video chat - call, text, or email me. Telemedicine? Call me.

    Video streaming? Seriously? I still have 100s of movies I haven’t watched, and not feeling the urge to watch them. I’ve got better things to do.

    Online games? Give me a break!

    OTA TV works, and if there’s nothing on, so what? There’s always something better to do anyway. And even if something good is on, so what? I no longer FOMO if I miss it. Pretty much everything is an imposition.

    Software updates on my laptop? Why - I use my phone for the net. Like most people.

    Social media? Seriously? Waste of bandwidth.

    Email, texts, a few web sites to blow off some steam, that’s only a gig or two a month. And no, I haven’t used wifi in a year. Don’t need to.

    “But I need it for work!” You don’t need video chat for work. Just say no. Show some spine.?Or tell them to provide a separate device and connection. If you’re working from home you’re already saving the a fair amount of money.

    I

  • (Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday March 07 2021, @02:45PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Sunday March 07 2021, @02:45PM (#1121039)

    Also... delete your fucking signatures, people. Tens of bytes of bullshit repeated again and again.... we get it, you're a stuck up prick.