How Does The EBB Program Work
The Emergency Broadband Benefit, also known as EBB, is a government assistance program by the FCC designed to help individuals and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was designed to help connect eligible low-income families to work, education resources, virtual classrooms, emergency services, their loved ones, etc.
Unlike the similar Lifeline program, EBB is a temporary assistance program. It was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and as such it will end once the program funds are exhausted or 6 months after the Department of Health and Human Services has declared an end to the pandemic – whichever happens sooner.
The EBB program works like this:
The FCC or the Federal Communications Commission provides funds for broadband internet service providers who decide to join the EBB program (the so-called EBB providers).
Emergency Broadband Benefit providers then provide a discount of up to $50 a month towards broadband service for eligible individuals or households and up to $75 a month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands.
In addition to the monthly service discount, participating providers may also offer eligible customers a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. To get this one-time device discount, the qualifying customer must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Which Providers Offer Emergency Broadband Benefit?
The list of all Emergency Broadband Benefit providers is endless. There is a long list of broadband internet service providers that offer Emergency Broadband Benefit in each U.S. state. You can see the full list of EBB providers by the state at fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers.
While it’s hard to list all EBB providers, simply because there are so many of them, it’s not that difficult to sort out the 10 best Emergency Broadband Benefit providers – the ones that are available in all states and offer the greatest benefits. The best Emergency Broadband Benefit providers include the following.
Q Link Wireless
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
Q Link Wireless is a Florida-based telecommunications company and a proud Emergency Broadband Benefit provider. The company offers its EBB services in the following countries: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Where and How to Apply?
To apply for Q Link’s EBB program, you must be EBB-eligible (see EBB eligibility criteria in the next chapter). To sign up, simply visit qlinkwireless.com/lifeline/emergency-broadband-benefit.aspx and press ‘Sign up now’. You will be asked to provide certain information and perhaps some documentation to prove your eligibility. Once you submit the application, and the provider reviews it, they will let you know how to proceed.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
Through the EBB program, Q Link offers mobile services and a plan with unlimited free data, talk, and text. In addition, customers receive a one-time, non-transferable device discount to receive a new tablet. To get the tablet, the customer must pay $10.01 after the application of the EBB device discount, as demanded by the FCC.
StandUp Wireless
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
StandUp Wireless is a government-supported wireless service and an Emergency Broadband Benefit provider. It offers its services in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Where and How to Apply?
To apply for the StandUp Wireless EBB program, you must be EBB eligible. If you are an existing StandUp Wireless Lifeline customer, you can sign up for their EBB program at myaccount.standupwireless.com/ebb. In case you are a new customer or a Lifeline customer with another provider, go to standupwireless.com/apply-now and enter your ZIP code, email address and press ‘Begin Application’. Then, follow the on-screen prompts, provide the information and documentation, and submit your application. You will be asked to qualify through the National Verifier. Once your application is accepted, you will get your free SIM card in the mail and you will be able to activate your service by calling 1-800-544-4441 or 611 from your phone.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
StandUp Wireless EBB program offers a free monthly mobile wireless service with 4.5 GB of data, at least 1000 minutes, and unlimited texts. In addition to the free monthly wireless service, you will also be able to get a one-time discount for a new tablet. The cost of the tablet is $10.01 and the discount is non-transferable.
Comcast (Xfinity)
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
This company offers internet services, mobile phone services, home phone services, TV & streaming, and more. They also offer their own EBB program in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Where and How to Apply?
To apply, you must be EBB eligible. The providers’ EBB program is a temporary subsidy available for users of Xfinity internet service, which includes Internet Essentials. Internet Essentials customers can qualify for the program directly. To apply, visit xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/ebb and press ‘How to apply’. There you will have two choices – you can either apply for Xfinity internet or Internet Essentials. Once you make your choice, simply follow the prompts at xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/ebb#howtoapply. You will be asked to sign up by filling out the application and possibly, providing certain documentation. Expect to hear a status update within 48 hours of applying for the EBB.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
Comcast Xfinity EBB program offers monthly discounts on fixed internet service. Eligible customers can receive a temporary monthly credit of up to $50 a month (up to $75 a month for customers in Tribal lands) toward their internet service and leased Internet equipment until the program’s funding runs out. Currently, Comcast is not participating in the device subsidy part of the EBB program.
PCs for People
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
PCs for People is a non-profit organization and a driving force behind digital inclusion efforts all over the U.S. Their mission is to provide a bridge across the digital divide and equal opportunity for all. They offer low-income people internet service, as well as refurbished devices. PCs for People is also an EBB provider that offers its services in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Where and How to Apply?
You can apply to PCs for People EBB service online. Before you do, make sure you are EBB-eligible. Go to ebb.pcsrefurbished.com/ebb and start filling out your online application form. The form consists of 4 parts – overview, account creation, NLAD verification, and confirmation. In the first part, simply accept the terms and continue. Then, follow the prompts, provide the information, and attach the required documentation (if necessary).
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
PCs for People offers a $50 discount on mobile broadband internet services and a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop or desktop computer. To get these benefits, you must participate in a government assistance program or have an annual household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Human-I-T
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
Human-I-T is a non-profit organization that provides devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support for people in need. They are also proud EBB providers that offer their services in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Where and How to Apply?
To apply to Human-I-T EBB program, you must be EBB-eligible. If you are, you can simply visit human-i-t.org/acp and fill out the Affordable Connectivity Program form. Provide all the necessary information and documentation and press ‘Submit Form’. The provider will soon inform you about the next steps.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
At Human-I-T, you can get steep discounts on both mobile high-speed internet and devices. With their Affordable Connectivity Program, you can get $85 hotspots, free monthly service, a Chromebook for somewhere between $20 and $50, plus bilingual assistance in English and Spanish.
Verizon Wireless
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
Verizon Wireless is one of the ‘big three’ largest carriers in the United States. They offer all kinds of services and products and they even have an EBB program. As Verizon is a nationwide carrier, it offers its EBB discounts in most U.S. states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Where and How to Apply?
EBB-eligible households can apply for Verizon’s EBB program and benefits by visiting verizon.com/home/promo/emergency-broadband-benefit, find a plan that best fits your needs, and simply fill out an online application. If you are currently enrolled in the Lifeline program, you don’t have to contact USAC, simply visit verizon.com/ebb-consent to get the discount applied to your bill. In case you are not enrolled in the Lifeline program, first, apply for EBB with USAC at getemergencybroadband.org and then, after they verify your eligibility, visit verizon.com/ebb-consent to sign up.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
Verizon Wireless offers both fixed and mobile services. Qualifying households can get up to $50 a month off select mobile and home internet plans. Verizon does currently not offer any one-time EBB device discounts.
AT&T
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
AT&T is another one of the largest three carriers in the country. They offer nationwide coverage, great products, and excellent services. The company also offers EBB program in most U.S. states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Where and How to Apply?
To apply for AT&T EBB, you must be EBB-eligible. If you qualify, go to att.com/help/ebb and choose your service (home internet or prepaid phone). Press ‘Learn more’ under the service option you wish to choose and you will be able to fill out an online application form. Provide all the necessary information and documentation and when you are done, submit your application.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
AT&T offers a mobile service type. They offer two EBB options (only one option is available per household) – home internet service and prepaid home service. Eligible households can get a $50 monthly discount on broadband internet service ($75 on Tribal lands). Currently, they do not offer and EBB discounts on connected devices.
T-Mobile
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
T-Mobile is the third of the ‘big three’ carriers. Among many other quality products and services, the provider also offers EBB discounts for eligible households. As T-Mobile is a nationwide carrier, it offers its EBB discounts in most U.S. states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Where and How to Apply?
To receive the benefits, you must be a current customer on an eligible rate plan and you must qualify to receive the benefit through the National Verifier at getemergencybroadband.org/?icid=MGPO_TMO_U_21TMOEBB_2OU88MVBPF300N6P24758. First, visit t-mobile.com/customers/emergency-broadband-benefit, check your eligibility, and finally, complete the enrollment application.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
T-Mobile USA offers both fixed and mobile services. The company offers temporary payment assistance of up to $50 a month ($75 for households on Tribal lands) on internet services and EBB tablets to customers in eligible households impacted by the pandemic. Currently, T-Mobile does not offer any connected device EBB discounts.
Cox
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
Cox is a broadband internet service provider, a TV and smart home provider, and a voice home phone provider. The company also participated in the EBB program and as an Emergency Broadband Benefit provider, Cox offers services in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
Where and How to Apply?
EBB-eligible customers can apply for Cox EBB at cox.com/residential/internet/ebb.html. Read the provided information and in the ‘Let’s get started’ section, enter your service address and unit or apartment number. Then, press ‘Check availability’ and follow the on-screen prompts to submit your application.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
Eligible customers can get a discount of up to $50 off their fixed monthly internet service and equipment rental or $75 if they live on Tribal lands. Additionally, you can get a one-time connected device discount of up to $100 and an EBB discount for a 60-day transition period after the EBB program ends.
Assurance Wireless
Where Do They Provide EBB Service?
Assurance Wireless is a telephone service subsidized by the federal Lifeline Assistance program. The company also offers EBB program in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Where and How to Apply?
To apply, make sure you are EBB-eligible. Then, visit assurancewireless.com/ebb/ebb-benefits and press ‘Apply Now’. You will be redirected to an online application form, where you will be asked to provide some personal information and possibly, certain documents that may prove your eligibility. Once you submit your application, allow a couple of days for the company to get back at you.
What Service Do They Provide Under the EBB Program?
Each EBB offer is slightly different, and through Assistance’s EBB program, which offers mobile service, eligible customers are able to receive a free smartphone and free monthly service with unlimited data, talk, text, and 10 GB of hotspot data.
What Qualifications Are Required for The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
To participate in the EBB program and receive the discount, you must be meet certain qualifications and requirements set by the FCC. Only EBB-eligible households can qualify.
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one (or more) of the EBB eligibility criteria below:
Income-based eligibility:
- A household has a gross annual household income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Consumers can also participate in EBB if their household has experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020. Households that experienced a job loss or furlough and reported a 2020 household income at or less than $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers are eligible to participate.
- You may also qualify if you meet the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
Program-based eligibility:
- A household member participates in one or more of the assistance programs listed below:
- Lifeline
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- A household was approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year.
- A household member has received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
If you are eligible, you can enroll by simply finding an Emergency Broadband Benefit provider that offers services in your area and signing up for their EBB program (either online through their online application form or by contacting their customer support service).
What Documentation Is Required to Qualify for The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
When you apply for an EBB program, you will be required to provide some information. The provider will try to confirm all of the information automatically. However, in case the provider is unable to verify some of the information and automatically approve your application, they may ask you to provide some documentation to verify your identity or prove your eligibility.
An Emergency Broadband Benefit provider may ask you to provide any of the documents listed below, depending on your eligibility criteria and which information they were unable to confirm:
- An official document verifying your identity and/or showing your address. Document example: your passport, state ID, Tribal ID, or another government-issued ID, U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. Military ID, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, Tribal Identification Number, or Social Security Number.
- An official document proving your qualifying assistance program participation. Document example: an approval letter, benefit award letter, statement of benefits, benefit verification letter.
- An official document proving your household income. Document example: prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income, a retirement/pension statement of benefits.
- An official document proving your substantial loss of income. Document example: a layoff/furlough notice, unemployment application, approval letter, or benefit statement, evidence of bankruptcy or business closure, 2020 state, federal, or Tribal tax return, Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, retirement or pension statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income.
- An official document proving that you (or any of your household members) have received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
- An official documents proving that you (or any of your household members) have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
To participate in the EBB program, you must be an adult of 18 or more years old or an emancipated minor. In case you are an emancipated minor, you must also provide an official document proving it, such as a court document, or a certificate.
Your Emergency Broadband Benefit provider may ask you to attach the documents in your application, send them via email or through the internet, or send them through the mail.
Note: Make copies of the required documents using a scanner, copy machine, camera, or smartphone. Do not send dark and blurry copies and make sure to never submit original documents.
What Are the Limitations or Restrictions of The EBB Program
Like all things, the EBB program also comes with a list of limitations and restrictions.
- For one, only EBB-eligible households can participate in the EBB program and receive the monthly service discount and/or the one-time device discount from an EBB provider. See the EBB eligibility criteria above.
- The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
- The EBB program benefits are non-transferable.
- The EBB program is temporary. Before it ends, your participating provider will inform you of how and when it will happen. And once the program is terminated, you will be able to continue using the provider’s services at their usual rates or to enroll in their Lifeline program if they offer one.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Provider Related FAQ
What Internet Plans/Speeds Qualify for the Program?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines high-speed broadband as 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps for uploads. All broadband internet providers offer such speeds.
Which Providers Offer EBB Free Tablet?
All Emergency Broadband Benefit providers offer free monthly service and many of them also offer the one-time device discount to purchase a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet by paying a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50. The device discount offer depends on availability, therefore EBB providers tend to update their offers on a regular basis. However, currently, you can get an EBB-free tablet from StandUp Wireless and Q Link Wireless. You can contact other EBB providers in your area as well.
Which Providers Offer EBB Free Internet?
All Emergency Broadband Benefit providers offer EBB free internet for low income, including Cintex Wireless, PCs for People, Q Link Wireless, StandUp Wireless, Excess Telecom, Access Wireless, Assurance Wireless, Comcast, Boost Mobile, Verizon, EnTouch Wireless, etc. You can search for EBB providers in your area at getemergencybroadband.org/companies-near-me.
Which Providers Offer EBB Free Phone Service?
Emergency Broadband Benefit providers offer free (mobile or fixed) broadband service. They do not offer free phone service. However, you can get free phone service from a Lifeline provider. If you are EBB-eligible, chances are that you are also Lifeline-eligible, which means that you should be able to enroll in a Lifeline program easily.
Can I Transfer EBB Benefits to Another Person or Household?
No, you cannot transfer your EBB benefits to another person or household. However, you can transfer your benefits to another Emergency Broadband Benefit provider.
What Happens if I’m Approved to Receive the EBB Discount, but Don’t Use the Internet?
If you don’t use your internet at all in a given month, you will not receive your EBB discount for that month. Therefore, make sure to set up the modems as soon as possible and to use at least a small amount of data so that don’t end up disqualifying yourself from a monthly EBB discount.
How Much Loss of Income Do I Need to Have to Qualify EBB?
If you wish to qualify for EBB through loss of income, your household must have experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020. Households that experienced a job loss or furlough and reported a 2020 household income at or less than $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers are eligible to participate.
I Am Under 18 Years Old. Can I Participate in EBB Program?
If you are under 18 years old, you cannot participate in the EBB program unless you are an emancipated minor. If you are an emancipated minor, you will be required to provide a document that proves it.
My Address Was Not Recognized. What Do I Do Next?
In case your address was not recognized, first, make sure you provided the correct address. If the address is correct, you can send your EBB an official document that proves your address and identity. Do so through the application form, online, or through the mail. In case you experience any difficulties doing so, simply call the EBB provider’s customer service and ask for help.
Do I Qualify for EBB if I Am a Lifeline Beneficiary?
Consumers who already participate in the Lifeline program are eligible for direct enrollment in the EBB program and generally do not need to submit a new EBB Program application. However, this may depend on your Emergency Broadband Benefit provider.
How Many Household Members Can Use the Free Broadband Service?
Only one household member can participate in the EBB program, however, all the members of the household will be able to benefit from it.
How Long Is the EBB Program Available?
EBB is a temporary assistance program. It was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and as such it will end 6 months after the Department of Health and Human Services has declared an end to the pandemic or once the program funds are exhausted – whichever comes first.
What Happens to My Service When the EBB Program Ends?
The FCC encourages households that participate in the EBB program to automatically continue their service. When the EBB program ends, customers will be charged the standard monthly rate for broadband internet services. In case you don’t wish to continue receiving services at the standard monthly rate, you can simply terminate your subscription.
