Americans can begin applying for $50 off their monthly internet bill Wednesday as part of an emergency government program to keep people connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of millions of people are eligible, although the Federal Communications Commission, which is administering the program, did not specify a number. That’s important because some people have been barred from low-cost plans offered by internet service providers when they owed their service provider money. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a more robust, although temporary, program to help people afford internet than Lifeline, the FCC’s other affordability program, which subtracts only $9.25 a month from phone or internet bills. AdvertisementThe FCC on Tuesday approved a $7.2-billion program for schools and libraries to connect students in their homes.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 12, 2021 10:56 UTC