Guest column: What to do if you need help affording high-speed Internet

It’s difficult to comprehend the importance that access to high-speed internet played for millions of Wisconsinites over the last year. It served as a replacement to trips to the store for milk, eggs and toilet paper as well as an electronic gateway to schools, clinics and workplaces.

Unfortunately, the accessibility and affordability of high-speed internet also served as a barrier for many who found themselves increasing isolated and without many options for these and other day-to-day activities during the pandemic.

However, we’re very hopeful about a benefit available to Wisconsinites that may help eliminate some of the barriers to high-speed internet access. The recently launched Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an opportunity for Wisconsinites to possibly receive assistance for their high-speed Internet needs.

The EBB is a $3.2 billion Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help Americans access the affordable, high-speed internet they need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tens of thousands of Wisconsin households have already signed up for the EBB.

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

--$50 per month discount for high-speed internet services

--$75 per 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

We know many of our friends, family and neighbors experienced financial setbacks over the past year and have struggled to get by, which could qualify them for the program. Additionally, Wisconsin residents may be eligible for the EBB if they:

--Qualify for the Lifeline program, as well as those who participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP and 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

Eligible households will enroll through participating broadband providers.

AARP fought hard for the EBB program at the federal level and we want to make sure people are aware of this benefit that may be available for themselves and others. For more information about EBB, visit aarp.org/EBB, text INTERNET to 22777 or call 833-511-0311.

Through programs like EBB and others, we’re hopeful the recovery can and will continue for the millions of Wisconsinites across our great state who showed tremendous resilience in the face of enormous financial, physical and emotional challenges over the past year.

Sam Wilson is state director of AARP Wisconsin.