January 20, 2022 -- The Emergency Broadcast Benefit (EBB) program, which took effect in May to provide a temporary reduction on home internet or wireless service for eligible households, is no longer accepting applications. However, Columbus City Schools families can still stay connected for less. Beginning December 31, 2021, the new Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the EBB.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a long-term federal investment to help ensure families can afford the connections needed for work, school, healthcare and more for a long time to come.

What's changing?

• The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50 per month to $30 per month for households not located on qualifying Tribal lands. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
• Households have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as: receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income as a result of a job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's COVID-19 program, will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. These households will receive additional details about the steps they need to take from the program administrator (USAC) or their internet service provider, in January 2022, and will be given at least 30 days to respond. They will continue to receive their full Emergency Broadband Benefit until March 1, 2022.

Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as of 12/31/21 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit during a 60-day transition period. Have questions about the transition from the Emergency Broadband Benefit to the Affordable Connectivity Program? Check out the Emergency Broadband Benefit FAQ for more information.

More information about actions current Emergency Broadband Benefit recipients will need to take to continue receiving the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit after the transition period will be available in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned to the Federal Communications Commission for additional updates.