지난 목요일, 연방통신위원회(FCC)는 긴급 광대역 혜택 프로그램(Emergency Broadband Benefit Program) 설립을 위한 규정을 채택했습니다. 32억 달러 규모의 이 프로그램은 자격을 갖춘 저소득층 가구에 월 $50의 보조금을, 부족 소유 토지에 거주하는 가구에 월 $75의 광대역 연결 구매 보조금을 제공합니다. 또한, 자격을 갖춘 가구에는 컴퓨터 또는 태블릿 구매 시 최대 $100의 일회성 할인 혜택도 제공합니다.

Households eligible for the benefit include those participating in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband subscriber; Lifeline subscribers, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits; households with kids receiving free and reduced-priced lunch or school breakfast; Pell grant recipients; and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the past year.

Yosef Getachew, Common Cause Media and Democracy 프로그램 디렉터의 성명

“Millions of Americans have had their lives dramatically restructured as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, access to high-speed broadband is more critical than ever. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide much needed relief to address the connectivity needs of low-income households and represents a step forward in closing the digital divide.

“Common Cause specifically advocated for the program to implement parameters facilitating competition, multi-lingual outreach to community stakeholders, clear end of program messaging to avoid bill shock, and alternative verification processes to reduce barriers to entry for eligible households. The FCC heard these concerns and took them into account in standing up the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. These protections will allow for a more inclusive program and ensure there will not be an unnecessary burden on the millions of households who need affordable broadband.”

“We commend the FCC for doing the work needed to get this new program off the ground and look forward to its success.”