The EBB  Program Launched on  May 12th 2021.  We will continue to provide more information as the program rolls out.

Updated July 31 2021 @ 9:30 am to provide the website the FCC is providing information as to how long the program will last.

Updated July 19 2021 @ 11:55 am to list the revised format for the information we need when processing an EBB application.

Updated June 29 2021 @ 9:15 am to reword and clarify some actions that need to be taken when telling us about your EBB application..

Updated May 28 2021 @ 10:15 am to provide an update as to the information required to register.

Updated May 12 2021 @ 3:30 pm to reference the program has started and to update the phone number as the government now has a dedicated phone number. .

Updated April 30 2021 @ 10:00 am to include the program start date.

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In March of 2021 the Federal Communications Commission announced a temporary subsidy program available to help subsidize the cost of broadband access to those in need during the CoronaVirus pandemic. Participation by service providers is voluntary and Cyber Broadband has decided to participate.

This program began taking applications for  enrollment on Wednesday May 12.   It will be available until the funds allocated for the program are exhausted or until six months after the Heath and Human Services Secretary declares an end to the CoronaVirus Pandemic. The government has provided a running tally of how much money is left in the program here. 

A consumer must qualify for this program before signing up for it. Also, only one economic household per address is eligible.  Once qualified, a $50 monthly subsidy is available towards the cost of broadband internet service.

Here is a list of those eligible:

• Do you qualify for the FCC’s life line program?
   

• Do you qualify for free or reduced lunches at your school?
   

• Did you experience a substantial loss of income since Feb 29 2020 and earn less than $99,000 (single) or $198,000 (joint)
   

• Did you receive a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year?

If you’d like to apply, you may do so at https://getemergencybroadband.org

During the application process you will be asked for personally identifying information.  One of those is the last four digits of your social security number.  You are not required to provide the last four digits of your social security number but if you choose not to (and enter 0000 in the application), you will be required to submit a copy of your government issued identification through this website (so you might as well go ahead and give them the last 4 digits of your ssn).

The online portal at https://getemergencybroadband.org will be the quickest way and most efficient way to qualify for this benefit program.  You can also contact the company administering this program, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) at (833) 511-0311 and they can mail a paper application to you.  This number is toll-free.

You can also usually get public internet access to fill out this online application at a local library or community center.

I have qualified – what next?

If you are a new subscriber please notify the office upon installation request you have qualified for the EBB.  Our service tech will help you to submit the correct information needed upon installation.

If you are a current subscriber and have qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program simply call our office at (256) 734-1077 and notify our staff that you have qualified and would like to take advantage of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.  Our staff will then open a service ticket for you to be enrolled.   Additionally you can login to your account online portal (where you can also view your bills) and open a ticket saying the same. 

In filling out our side of the EBB paperwork, we must validate the following information. It must match what you entered in your online application at getemergencybroadband.org EXACTLY. Please provide the following to our staff over the phone or in a ticket you open through our customer portal:

a) Please provide the application ID once registered. 

It will be in the following format:

Either B######-##### or Q#####-#####

b) Please provide the full name used on the application.  One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to include a middle name if one was used on the application.

c) Please provide the account holder’s birthday.

Sample data might be –

Sample data might be

a) Q54365-45374

b) Michael Hall Smith

c) 5/6/1974

Once you update this information in a ticket or give our office staff this information we will be notified and can proceed with your enrollment.

We will update the ticket with your enrollment status once complete. Thank you.
 

If you are a new customer and intend on using the Emergency Broadband Benefit program with us, you should pre-qualify first at https://getemergencybroadband.org  or contact the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) at (833) 511-0311 for a paper application. This number is toll-free.  Once you have qualified for the program, order service through us as you normally would (by calling our office and providing your service address and ordering service) and notify us you have qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.  We will set you up for the program as part of your new service order. Once your service is installed, we will still need the information requested above to process your enrollment.

The benefit is only good starting in the month following enrollment (due to how the payment systems are setup with the government).  If you apply on May 6th, the benefit begins on June 1. You will see the benefit in the form of a credit on your next bill.  The credit will be for $50 and will say “Emergency Broadband Benefit Credit”.  The credit will remain in place until the program ends.   The government has reported they will place a dashboard online so we can monitor the amount of remaining funds in the program and an estimated termination date.

If you are interested in this program, call us today (256) 734-1077