Broadband benefit program aids households

Households struggling to afford internet service during the coronavirus pandemic may be eligible for a $50 discount on internet service through the Emergency Broadband Benefit, a program of the Federal Communications Commission.

A search in the FCC’s list of local internet service providers participating in the EBB program showed LocalTel Communications.

LocalTel stated in a press release the EBB program offers up to $50 per month. It is a temporary program that will conclude when the funding is expended or six months after the end of the health emergency. The program launched May 12.

Many households will qualify for free internet service, according to LocalTel. This includes households that are: financially impacted by COVID-19; have a child eligible for free school lunch; or have a member who received a college Pell grant, is low-income, or is eligible for the Lifeline Program. The Lifeline Program covers individuals who participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, Tribal Programs, and Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefit.

In the Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Lincoln and Adams counties served by LocalTel, the $50 credit will cover the monthly fee for Internet service plans chosen by most households, LocalTel said.

Current LocalTel customers or potential new customers may check to see if they qualify by going to the LocalTel website, https://localtel.com, and following links posted on the home page.

LocalTel is locally owned and provides high-speed fiber internet over Grant PUD’s fiber-optic network and other services in North Central Washington and the Columbia Basin.

The Federal Communications Commission has more information on the EBB program and eligibility at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.