FCC program expected to help struggling families pay for internet

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Low-income households could soon be eligible to have their internet service paid for through the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.

The Federal Communications Commission had approved a $3.2 billion plan that would provide a discount of up to $50 per month. A one-time discount of $100 will also be available to purchase a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

"This is very good because right now with what one earns, it is not enough to cover all expenses," said Amada Flores. "Including the internet, which is very expensive."

Amada Flores is a mother whose family would qualify for the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
Her family has had to cancel the internet a few times because of the high cost, she said. They currently have a discounted internet service that isn’t the best since her children sometimes aren’t able to join their online class due to the speed.

“I would be able to get internet that would help them more," said Flores. "So that they have faster speeds to be able to join. The internet that they use is slower.”

Ramona Lopez has been a Salinas resident for 41 years. Internet is very important in her house since her daughter needs it for school. There are times where she can’t pay the $70 for the internet so she has to call and ask for a payment installment, she said.

“It would help me, I can save more money and I would be able to pay another bill that I'm already behind," said Lopez. "Electricity and water, I'm already behind on that. It would help me tremendously.”

The Monterey County Office of Education discovered that at the start of the pandemic they identified more than 11,000 students without access to the internet. Internet providers participating in this program include Comcast, T-Mobile, and AT&T Mobility. On Wednesday, the county broke down some of the criteria of those who qualify.

"Anyone who currently qualifies for the lifeline program, which is for lower-income," said Eric Chatham. "This is also for anyone who receives benefits under the free and reduced-price programs. Anyone who experiences a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020."

An exact start date hasn’t been determined but people can expect to register by the end of this month at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.