It’s called the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Eligible households can receive up to $50 a month to pay for broadband service. Those that qualify on Hawaiian Home Lands may apply for a benefit of up to $75 per month.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly broadband service discount and one device purchase discount per household. It will end six months after the pandemic is officially declared as over or when the allocated funds are depleted—whichever comes first.
There’s also one-time discount up for grabs of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating Hawai‘i internet service providers if the eligible household contributes a minimum of $10 towards the purchase price.
Households in Hawai’i that are eligible to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program qualify if one member of the household:
Qualifies for the FCC Lifeline program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Received benefits under the free and reduced-price school breakfast or lunch program
Filed for unemployment or PUA or experienced a loss of hours in the last year
The participating Hawai‘i internet service providers for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program currently include:
American Broadband and Telecommunications Company
AT&T
Charter Spectrum
Cricket Wireless
Hawaii Dialogix Telecom
Hawaiian Telcom
Selectel Wireless
T-Mobile
Verizon
Beginning on May 12, Hawai‘i households can apply for the program in three ways:
Contact their internet service provider directly to learn about its application process and what benefits are offered
Apply online at GetEmergencyBroadband.org
Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application and mail it with your proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081 London, KY 40742
For more information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and how to apply, visit broadband.hawaii.gov/ebb.