FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel will convene a virtual roundtable discussion on February 12, concerning the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. She wants to get public input on how to structure the plan. Congress recently appropriated $3.2 billion for a new program to enable eligible households to get discounts on broadband service and certain connected devices during the pandemic.
“The hard truth is that the cost of broadband service can be difficult for many families, especially those struggling financially in the ongoing pandemic,” said Rosenworcel. “We need to fix this, and this program promises to help ease the burden so families can access the telehealth, online learning and job opportunities that are essential to daily life.”
The roundtable will give interested parties an opportunity to share ideas on the public policy and program administration decisions that will shape the Commission’s approach to establishing the program.
The Commission sought public comments on January 4. Reply comments [to docket WC Docket No. 20-445] are due February 16. The Wireline Competition Bureau will soon publicize more information about the event, including panel discussion topics, and participants. The video discussion will be available at www.fcc.gov/live.
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