As part of the emergency response to COVID-19, the federal government is providing $50 direct payments toward internet bills for those who qualify.
Marty Newell, chief operating officer of the Center for Rural Strategies, says the Federal Communications Commission is providing direct payments toward internet bills to people who sign up for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. He says the payment will continue until the program runs out of money or the pandemic is declared over by health officials.
“What we really want to do in this country is make it so, in the same way that we did with telephones and with electricity, everybody has access to a reasonably affordable option.”
Newell adds the program is a step toward equalizing broadband access, but points out it’s a stopgap solution to a systemic problem.
Beyond emergency aid, responding to broadband gaps has been a priority for lawmakers from both parties. Governor Kristi Noem recently touted the state’s $100-million investment in expanding high-speed internet.
Rural South Dakotan Jessica Schaap says the effort has been a big help for her family after struggling with spotty connections.
“My kids had to go into, during the pandemic, they had to go into town and sit in the parking lots to be able to do their homework.”
People who lost income during the pandemic and make less than $198-thousand per year, as well as low-income households, could be eligible. For help on finding out if you’re eligible and how to apply, visit ebbhelp.org or call the program’s hotline at 833-511-0311.
According to the FCC, 95% of South Dakotans have high-speed internet access, but that falls to 89% in the rural areas.
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