80.3 F
Charlotte Amalie
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
HomeNewsLocal governmentAARP Urges Seniors to Enroll in Broadband Benefit Program for Affordable High-Speed...

AARP Urges Seniors to Enroll in Broadband Benefit Program for Affordable High-Speed Internet

Many Americans age 50+ struggle to access and afford high-speed internet. (Source file photo)

A recent AARP survey found many Americans age 50+ struggle to access and afford high-speed internet. According to the study, 15 percent of adults 50+ do not have access to any type of internet and 60 percent say the cost of high-speed internet is a problem.

The findings underscore the potential impact of a new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program launched today by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

AARP is encouraging all Americans who are struggling to afford their existing high-speed internet service as well as those who cannot afford to subscribe to high-speed internet service to sign up for the EBB program today.

“The pandemic has shown that access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. People without high-speed internet service are being left behind when it comes to health care, work, connecting with family and friends and education,” said AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy A. LeaMond. “AARP strongly supports the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and will continue to advocate for policies that help close the digital divide that has left millions of older adults without internet access.”

According to a recent report from Older Adults Technology Services from AARP’s Aging Connected initiative, in partnership with the Humana Foundation, more than 22 million Americans 65+ still lack broadband at home.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program aims to help households struggling to afford high-speed internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will run until the $3.2 billion in allocated funds are gone, but no longer than six months after the federal government declares an end to the pandemic.

For resources and more information about EBB, visit www.aarp.org/EBB, call 1-833-511-0311 or text “internet” to 22777. For information in Spanish, visit www.aarp.org/FCCSubsidioInternet or call 1-833-511-0311.

Under this short-term program, households may be eligible for a discount on their high-speed internet service of up to:

$50/month discount for high-speed internet services.

$75/month discount for high-speed internet services for households on Tribal Lands.

A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider.

Americans who may have experienced financial setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic or are struggling to get by may be eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if they:

Qualify for the Lifeline program, as well as those who participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP or SSI benefits.

Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.

Meet the criteria for a participating internet provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

AARP has a long history of providing personal technology resources. As part of our digital literacy work, Older Adults Technology Services offers digital literacy courses, resources, and events through its flagship program Senior Planet, which are a key part of the AARP Virtual Community Center, an online destination for AARP members and non-members alike.

Older Adults Technology Services empowers older adults to overcome barriers to digital engagement by fostering skills and giving them the confidence they need to use technology and stay connected.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS